This coin is a pre-decimal Irish Penny, dated 1968. The Irish Penny represented the third smallest denomination, of the pre-decimal Irish Pound. With the Half-Penny and Farthing (¼ Penny), representing the smaller denominations.
The pre-decimal Penny entered circulation in 1928 and was last minted in 1968. It ceased being legal currency on 31 December 1971, replaced by the decimal Irish Penny. The coin is a plain-edged design made of bronze (95.5% copper/3% tin/1.5% zinc) and weighs 9.45 g. Its dimensions are 30.9 mm (1.215 in) wide and 1.90 mm (0.075 in) thick. This coin will be reviewed reverse first, note the observe (Harp) is often mistaken for the reverse (Hen).
Reverse
The “Hen and Chicks” reverse was designed English artist Percy Metcalfe, CVO, RDI. It features a hen with 5 chicks, 1 chick is mostly obscured beneath the legs. Percy Metcalfe's initials (PM) are present on the lower right, below the ground line. Also below the Hen is the word pingin, (Irish/Gaeilge for penny) and above is the denomination. Expressed as “1d”, derived from the Roman dēnārius.
Observe
The Observe features the “Queen Mary Harp” (Clàrsach na Banrìgh Màiri), the national symbol of Ireland. To the left is the name Éire, the Irish/Gaeilge name for Ireland. To the right is the coin's minting year (1968). Notably Irish pennies from 1928 to 1937, had their date split to both sides of the harp. Along with name Saorstát Éireann, for Irish Free State. (Example: Left-side (Saorstát 19), Right-side (Éireann 28))
Pre-Decimal Irish Pound Guide
10 Florin = 1 Irish Pound
20 Shilling = 1 Irish Pound
240 Penny = 1 Irish Pound
960 Farthing = 1 Irish Pound
Size Comparison
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