The Hibernian Bank • 1825-1958

[Mac]

The Hibernian Bank wasn't allowed to issue its own notes, so it issued 'Tokens' which looked increasingly like notes!

One Pound Hibernian Bank token, 1827.


Hibernian Bank three Pounds, 1829, Post Bill.

[Mac]

Some cancelled issued examples of the Hibernian Bank tokens from 1827 have turned up in auction recently.
This is the first time I have come across these tokens in their issued form. Nice to see them appearing.


Hibernian Bank Thirty Shillings Token 1St February 1827


Hibernian Bank One Pound Token 10 July 1826

[ThePloughman]

I see some more of these in the Dublin auction this week.
Are there a lot of them suddenly out there? Any idea how many have turned up? I have a proof, but wouldn’t mind an issued one too if it wasn’t too expensive.

[Mac]

Are there a lot of them suddenly out there? Any idea how many have turned up?

Don't know. These two groups could be it, or there could be a bag full of them! I haven't heard anything about them.

[DOC]

The Hibernian Bank attempted to challenge the monopoly of the Bank of Ireland to exclusively issue notes within 50 miles of Dublin. In 1825, it introduced a token issue without a promise to pay which was successfully vetoed by the Bank of Ireland. The Hibernian Bank later tried a different strategy, issuing notes with a modified promissory text reading , ‘I promise to pay the bearer on demand after Six Months’. This issue was also successfully opposed by the Bank of Ireland.

Paper Money of Ireland mentions the following denominations for the Second Issue: £1, £2, £3 and £10. Here is an example of an unissued £1 which is similar in design to the issued £3 note shown earlier in this posting string.