The stories behind some of the most collectible items in Ireland

Why would a single stamp sell for €7.3m? The British Guiana 1c magenta has more than a century’s track record of continuously increasing in value[1]. In this case, it’s the rarity factor – it is the only one left in existence. So whenever it’s put up for sale, it causes a stir.

Everyone is drawn to collectibles for different reasons. Whether it’s an investment, personal connection, or nostalgia, each one has a story behind it. 

Here are just a few.

Why a 20p coin accumulated huge interest

The original value and age of an item isn’t necessarily what attracts the highest bids at auction. A humble Irish 20p from the vintage year of 1985 proves it.

With the distinction of being the first coin to diverge in size from its corresponding British version, the ‘new’ Irish 20p coin was set to be introduced in 1986. But before it could be released into circulation, officials had to solve the problem: how to adapt vending machines and public telephones to accept the new coin size.

Engineers were given one of 500 specially minted coins to recalibrate their systems. As it was illegal to mint coins with a future date, the coins were imprinted with the year ‘1985’. While the coins should have been returned and destroyed, not all were.

The 1985 20p coin is exceedingly rare today. Ten are accounted for in private collections, but the status of roughly 40 others is unknown. One could be worth as much as €8000 – so be careful before exchanging any old coins![2]

The 20th century’s most collectable book?

While widely revered today as a masterpiece, Ulysses was published under a smog of controversy. Shockingly explicit for the time, it fell to a small Parisian bookshop to publish the work on a limited run.

Shakespeare and Company printed 1000 numbered copies, bound in bright blue covers. Banned in Britain and America, many of the books slipped through surreptitious backchannels. Some fell victim to the American Post Office’s policy of burning any copies arriving on their shores.

Just 800 first editions are known to survive. A copy can fetch hundreds of thousands of euros, depending on the condition and whether it was one of the 100 signed by Joyce. In 2002, a copy sold for €409,840 – a world record for a 20th century first-edition[3].

How Irish whiskey revived its spirit

In 2024, a single-malt Irish whiskey became the world’s most expensive, raising $2.8m at auction[4]. One of just seven in existence – and presented with a 24k gold pipette and Celtic Fabergé egg – the Emerald Isle whiskey is more than the pinnacle of luxury; it symbolises the remarkable turnaround of Ireland’s whiskey industry.

Irish whiskey dominated in the early 20th century, with an estimated 70% global market share[5]. But after Irish independence, civil war, and prohibition, the industry careered into steep decline. By the 1980s, just two of Ireland’s distilleries remained, with production falling to 200,000 annual cases[6].

Today, Ireland is a major player once again. Irish whiskey has captured hearts for its smooth finish and gentle notes. In 2023, there were more than 40 distilleries operating in Ireland[7], selling 12.9 million cases[8].  

Antiques and collections need quality protection

For your clients with valuable collections, insurance can play an important role in managing their risk.

Our Private Client Insurance provides worldwide, all-risk cover. Combined with high single article limits up to €50,000, we help to keep each item sufficiently covered and the collection secure. Protecting against physical damage, accidental damage, and loss, we also compensate for restoration costs.

Ownership issues are always a risk when purchasing items with multiple previous owners. We offer compensation for defective title losses up to €200,000.

Not all collectors intend to make a return, but collections can often increase in value. We cover market appreciation up to 150% of the sum insured, subject to a valuation within three years.

Clients may not always be able to declare new acquisitions straight away. DUAL is a helpful partner here, too. We cover newly acquired items up to 30% for 90 days[9].*

For quality household insurance, speak to DUAL.

Helen Furlong is a Business Development Executive for DUAL Underwriting Ireland DAC. DUAL Underwriting Ireland DAC (trading as DUAL Private Client) is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Registered No. 633531. Registered office: 98 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 D02 V324.

*Information accurate at the time of publishing, 16/07/2024. Terms and limits may change in the future.