George V Halfcrown

This halfcrown, struck as the final silver issue for Ireland under British rule, quietly closed the chapter on centuries of colonial coinage just before the Irish Free State emerged.

It featured George V's portrait on the obverse, a design that echoed British monarchs since Victoria, and a crowned harp on the reverse, symbolizing Ireland's ancient heritage. The coins were minted in .500 fine silver at the Royal Mint in London, using standard techniques of the era. Production ran from 1921 to 1926, with variations in dates reflecting annual needs.

Exact mintage figures are murky; records from that period weren't always precise. What we know is that the 1926 issue was likely the scarcest, possibly due to post-war economic strains.

Some collectors debate its subtle edge lettering, a detail that can trip up the unwary.