Obverse © nordboutik59 – Reverse © Jérémy Pureur

½ Phingin


Bronze	5.67 g	25.5 mm

Description

Issuer	Ireland
Period	Irish Free State (1922-1937)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	1928-1937
Value	½ Penny (½ Pingin) (1⁄480)
Currency	Pound (1826-1971)
Composition	Bronze
Weight	5.67 g
Diameter	25.5 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized	31 December 1969
Updated	2024-10-05

References

Numista	N#4573
Rarity index	9%

Reverse

Sow and litter, facing left

Script: Latin (Gaelic)

Lettering:
1/2d
LEAT
PINGIN

Translation:
1/2d
Half
penny

Engraver: Percy Metcalfe

Edge

Plain

Comment

Irish Free State (1922–1937) became an independent state from the British Empire and was established in 1922.
It was renamed the Republic of Ireland in 1937.

The design of the reverse sides of the Irish coins features a series of animals important to Ireland's predominantly agricultural economy.
The pig was a very important animal in Irish rural life. Most families raised at least one animal that they fed on kitchen scraps and other plant and animal waste.

Leath / leat: means half/half in Irish Gaelic.
Pingin / penny is derived from the Germanic word Pfennig. The corresponding Latin term was denarius. For this reason, the penny was abbreviated by a d and the halfpenny by ½ d.

Interesting fact

The ½ Phingin coin was designed by the Irish artist and sculptor, Percy Metcalfe. He was a prominent figure in the Irish art world and was known for his work on various coins and medals. The ½ Phingin coin features a depiction of a hare on the reverse side, which was one of Metcalfe's signature motifs. The coin's design was meant to symbolize the natural beauty of Ireland and the importance of wildlife conservation.