Five shilling coin, 1643

In relief, on obverse, is a monarchial crown and the letters 'CR' (Carolus Rex- King Charles), surrounded by a raised continuous linear rim within a beaded border; on reverse is a large relief outline Roman numeral 'V' surmounted by an 'S'.

This crude coin, made from melted silver plate, were struck on the orders of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, James, Marquess of Ormonde, to pay King Charles I's Irish soldiers during the Civil War (1642-1651). The Royalists struggled to pay and keep their troops together. This contrasted with Parliament's New Model Army. Its regular pay stopped men drifting away and allowed them to serve full-time.