Ruth D. writes: I am looking for info on Irish coins. I have a 1971 coin stamped “1p”. It has a harp on one side, a bird of some kind on the other. Would this be a punt, or a smaller denomination, like a penny? My son will be including the info in a report, so we are interested in the symbolism of the bird as well, if known. We would also like to know about other Irish coin denominations. This may be the start of a new hobby for him! Thank you, Ruth
The Irish Republic changed their currency to a decimal system in 1971. The penny you describe was the first decimal issue. From the time Ireland (called the Irish Free State until it became a republic in 1949) became free from British rule in 1921 it became traditional to show animals on coins. The original series exhibits the following animals:
Ireland’s Monetary system
4 farthings = 1 penny
12 Pence = Shilling
2 Shillings = Florin
2 1/2 Shillings = 1/2 crown
10 Shillings = Pound
- Farthing – European Woodcock
- 1/2 Penny – Sow with piglets
- Penny – Hen with chicks
- 3 Pence – Blue Hare
- 6 Pence – Irish wolfhound
- Shilling – Bull
- Florin – Atlantic Salmon
- 1/2 Crown – Irish Hunter (horse)
The tradition continued under decimalization but the images are abstract on the penny and 2 penny. Other decimal denominations show the following animals:
Monetary System
100 Pence= 1 Pound
- 5 Pence – Bull
- 10 Pence – Atlantic Salmon
- 20 Pence – Horse
- 50 Pence – European Woodcock
- 1 Pound – Deer
