Fun fact about the greatest county in #Ireland

The O'Reilly coin of Cavan is a fascinating piece of Irish history. The O'Reillys, a prominent Irish clan, were the kings of East Breifne, which roughly corresponds to modern-day County Cavan. What sets them apart is their unique economic practice: they developed and minted their own currency, which was quite unusual in Ireland at the time, where bartering was the primary means of trade

The O'Reillys began minting their own coins following the introduction of English coins to Dublin by Henry IV in the early 15th century. Their coins borrowed heavily from the design of these English coins, indicating a strategic adoption of a familiar monetary system to facilitate trade and establish their economic power

The O'Reillys' currency was so successful that it became widely circulated, and existing examples of their coins are highly regarded in Ireland. This economic innovation allowed the O'Reillys to control a significant portion of the trade in their region, further cementing their power and influence in East Breifne

Despite their success, the O'Reillys faced challenges. Two acts of Parliament in 1447 and 1456 outlawed the production and usage of "Reilly's silver," which was becoming increasingly prevalent. This suggests that the O'Reillys' economic power was seen as a threat, and efforts were made to curb their influence

The O'Reillys' coinage is a testament to their ingenuity and their ability to adapt to changing economic landscapes. By creating their own currency, they not only facilitated trade within their kingdom but also asserted their sovereignty and economic independence, making them a unique and significant part of Irish history.