Contemporary Forgery of a Confederated Catholics halfpenny, c. 1642–1649:
Obverse: Illegible legend around crown and two sceptres.
Reverse: Illegible legend around a harp dividing retrograde C R .
Ex K. Brosz collection.
Weight: 2.35 grams. Composition: Copper. Diameter: 23 - 26mm.

A wonderful specimen of this significant piece from turbulent times, rarely seen in such a high grade.

Confederation of Kilkenny (1642-49)
When the Great Rebellion broke out in Ireland in 1642, chaos broke loose and multiple scores began to get settled amidst a haze of sectarian violence, land grabs, political intrigue and internecine warfare.
The Catholic clergy exerted themselves to bring about union amongst the Catholics; and on the 24th of October 1642 a general assembly or parliament—delegates of the most distinguished persons from both sides—met in Kilkenny: this is known as the “Confederation of Kilkenny.”
There were eleven bishops, fourteen lords, and 226 commoners.
The assembly took upon themselves to govern the country—or that part of it outside the influence of Ormonde—and appointed generals over the army: O’Neill for Ulster and Preston for Leinster.
To manage affairs with greater facility they elected from their number a “Supreme council.”
And they issued a decree for raising money and for levying men, who were to be drilled by the officers that had come with Preston and O’Neill.

Sold April 26