Halfpenny (Irish pre-decimal coin) explained

Country:Ireland
Denomination:Halfpenny / Leathphingin
Unit:penny
Mass:5.66
Diameter:25.5
Thickness:1.77
Edge:Plain
Composition:Bronze
Years Of Minting:1928–1969
Catalog Number:
Obverse Design:Irish harp
Obverse Design Date:1928
Reverse:Irish halfpenny coin.png
Reverse Design:Sow and litter
Reverse Designer:Percy Metcalfe
Reverse Design Date:1928

The halfpenny (d) (Irish: leathphingin) coin was the second smallest denomination of the pre-decimal Irish pound, worth of a pound or of a shilling. First issued in 1928 it ceased to be legal tender on 1 August 1969.

The coin measured 1.005inches in diameter and weighed 5.66990 grams. The bronze coin was made up of 95.5% copper, 3% tin and 1.5% zinc. This was identical to the British halfpenny as both countries' pounds were pegged until 1979.

The reverse design was by Percy Metcalfe, an English artist. The artist was given the choice of a boar, a sow or a ram, and the sow was chosen. The obverse featured the Irish harp. From 1928 to 1937 the date was split either side of the harp with the name Saorstát Éireann circling around. From 1938 to 1969 the inscription changed to Éire on the left of the harp and the date on the right.[1]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Coin types from Ireland. World Coin Gallery. 9 November 2011.