The Carrick-on-Suir treasure, discovered in 2013, is a remarkable hoard of gold coins from the 17th century. Here are some key details about this treasure:
1. **Discovery:** The treasure was discovered on January 14, 2013, during excavation work on Main Street in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, Ireland. It was found by a group of individuals, including David Kearsey, Shane Comerford, Tom Kennedy, Shane Murray, and Patrick McGrath.
2. **Contents:** The hoard consists of a total of 81 gold coins, dating from the reigns of several British monarchs:
- Charles II (1660-1685)
- James II (1685-1688)
- William and Mary (1688-1694)
- William III (1694-1702)
Among the coins, there are 77 Guinean coins and 4 half-Guinean coins. The earliest coin dates back to 1664, and the most recent to 1701. The Guinean was a British gold coin minted by the Royal Mint during this period.
3. **Historical Context:** The value of a guinea coin was originally one pound (20 shillings), but it fluctuated with the price of gold. In 1717, its value was officially set at 21 shillings. The hoard represents a substantial accumulation of wealth, potentially the savings of one family over several generations. It would have amounted to more than six years' worth of wages for an agricultural laborer at the time.
4. **Reason for Burial:** The exact reason why the hoard was buried remains a subject of speculation. It's possible that the owner, who may have been Catholic and wealthy, felt the need to hide portable assets due to changing circumstances, possibly in response to legal or political developments.
5. **Historical Significance:** The Carrick-on-Suir treasure is significant because it provides insight into the economic and social history of Ireland during the late 17th century. It also highlights the complex financial decisions made by individuals during times of uncertainty.
6. **Comparison to Other Hoards:** A comparable hoard of 17th-century gold coins had not been found in Ireland since the discovery of a hoard in Portarlington, County Laois, around 1947. The Portarlington hoard contained just over 100 gold coins, along with several silver coins.
The Carrick-on-Suir treasure serves as a valuable historical artifact, shedding light on the economic conditions and personal financial strategies of the past, while also leaving room for further research and interpretation of its historical context.