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Auction: 26008 - World & British Banknotes including the Cockburn & Jersey Collections
Lot: 123

Limerick General Strike Against British Militarism, 5/- Shillings, ND (April 1919), serial number 55,
This 5 Shillings features green ink for the denomination and bold signatures from John Cronin and James Casey. In the lower left a stamp can be seen reading "Mechanics Institute".

The Limerick Soviet lasted just over two weeks, created after the British Army declared the city a Special Military Area during the War of Independence. In response, the Limerick trade unions called a strike, refusing to use the British passes required to enter the city and issuing their own passes and a small run of local currency instead. Their stance held, and with pressure mounting, martial law was lifted shortly afterwards.

When martial law was lifted two weeks later, the Soviet disbanded. Most of the currency was seized and destroyed by the British authorities, and many Irish holders disposed of their notes as well to avoid being found with prohibited material. Very few examples survived the period.

These types of notes are therefore notable survivors from one of the more unusual episodes of the time and would be a unique addition for any British or Irish collector.
(PMI Limerick Trades and Labour Council, plate note), about extremely fine, minor tear on the outside of the design

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Estimate
£1,500 to £2,400

Starting price
£1000