½ Penny


Bronze	1.78 g	17.14 mm

Description

Issuer	Ireland
Period	Republic (1937-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	1971-1986
Value	½ Penny (½ Pingin) (0.005&nbspIEP)
Currency	Pound / Irish Pound (decimalized, 1971-2001)
Composition	Bronze
Weight	1.78 g
Diameter	17.14 mm
Thickness	1.15 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized	9 February 2002
Updated	2024-10-05

References

Numista	N#3284
Rarity index	4%

Reverse

Decorative initial "O" resembling a bird, out of the "Book of Kells" and the denomination below

Script: Latin (Gaelic)

Lettering: 1/2 P

Translation: 1/2 Penny

Designer: Gabriel Hayes

Edge

Plain

Comment

The coins dated 1971 to 1975 were struck at the Royal Mint, Llantrisant (Wales).

The coins dated 1976 to 1986 were struck at the Irish Mint, Dublin (Ireland).

The design of the Irish Half Penny coin was based on Celtic style illustrations of Birds from the Book of Kells. An ancient Irish manuscript created by unknown monks around the year 800.

Interesting fact

The ½ Penny coin from Ireland was designed by Irish artist, Gabriel Hayes, and features a unique design that includes a harp, which is a traditional symbol of Ireland, and an inscription in Irish that reads, "Leatrim Saor in Aghaidh" which means "Half Penny Free in Agreement." This design was chosen to represent the country's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to independence.