By Roger Outing, Bank Note Reporter November 19, 2009

Just reading the contents page of Paper Money of Ireland by Bob Blake & Jonathan Callaway will lift the spirits of any knowledgeable bank note collector. This catalog contains full details of the bank note issues of Bank of Ireland since 1783; Belfast Banking Co., 1827-1968; National Bank of Ireland, 1835-1964; Northern Banking Co., since 1825; Provincial Bank of Ireland, 1825 to 1981; Allied Irish Banks, 1982-1993; First Trust Bank, since 1994; Ulster Banking Co since 1836; the “Lady Lavery” series issued by The Currency Commission and then the Central Bank of Ireland, 1928-1977, Central Bank of Ireland 1976 to 2001, and the iconic “Ploughman” series, from 1929 to 1941. This represents a lot of bank notes and a great deal of marvelous detail for the collector and it is all as close to definitive as anyone might reasonably expect.

If this catalog contained the above mentioned details then you would feel obliged to describe it as being very good indeed. However, it contains much more. Also listed are the Private Bankers, 1700 -1836; Tradesmen & Sundry Issuers, since 1750; and miscellaneous Joint Stock Banks, 1825-1839.

These sections represent the book’s significant and innovative contribution to Irish bank note collecting in particular and Irish banking history in general. This information, which lists all the relevant banks and their known issues, is not readily available from any other single source.

For example, the Irish private banks exceed 200 in number and their private issues of bank notes have never before been so comprehensively listed and described. This is a treasure trove of new information for the bank note collector and researcher. Mention is also given to such disperate elements as Irish Republican Bonds, early checks, skit notes, lottery tickets, circular notes and travellers’ checks.

The catalog’s entries are clearly and precisely laid out with each note fully described with details of signatures, dates and prefix+ serial number ranges when appropriate. Pricing estimates are given for each note in a range of conditions that are appropriate to the age of each separate issue. Color Trial, Proof, Specimen and Replacement notes are included whenever these are known. The 600+ full color illustrations are excellent and the early and rarely seen notes, especially, are a joy to behold. With all this information any collector should be able to readily identify, catalog and value their Irish bank notes.

Irish paper money is a complex topic and this catalog, quite correctly, makes no attempt to simplify. Instead it does a wonderful job of providing the essential detailed information, in an easy to follow format, that the collector needs in order to fully comprehend the full range of material that is available. This is a great bank note catalog and an essential buy for anyone with an interest in Irish paper money.

It’s soft cover and is 496 pages. It’s published and is available from Pam West, PO Box 257, Sutton, Surrey, SM3 9WW. £40 + postage upon application to pamwestbritnotes@aol.com.

More Resources:

• Standard Catalog of United States Obsolete Bank Notes 4-CD Set, 1782-1866

• Fascinating Facts, Mysteries & Myths About U.S. Coins

• 2010 Standard Catalog of World Coins 2001-Date, 4th Edition

• State Quarters Deluxe Collector's Folder