1928 Irish Florin
Ireland
1928–1939
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$21.57
Based on Silver spot price ($79.17/oz) · 75.0% purity · 11.3g
Updated 6:41 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Ireland |
| Years Minted | 1928–1939 |
| Composition | 75% silver, 25% copper |
| Weight | 11.3 g |
| Diameter | 28.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
Features a crowned Irish harp dividing the date, with the legend 'Saorstat Eireann' around it.
Reverse
Depicts a horse walking right, with the denomination below.
History & Notable Facts
The 1928 Irish Florin was the first two-shilling coin to feature Ireland's harp without a British crown, a subtle but firm declaration of independence.
That design choice, with the harp on the obverse and a prancing horse on the reverse, came from the Irish Free State's early coinage efforts. It was struck in .500 silver at the Royal Mint in London, since Ireland lacked its own facility. The coin's edge bears the inscription "fiduci defensors," a holdover from older British pieces, though its relevance here is debatable.
Weights vary slightly due to wartime recycling practices, but most examples tip the scales at about 11.3 grams. Mintage records for this year are incomplete; what survived suggests around 500,000 pieces, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Some collectors confuse it with the British florin, thinking it's just a repaint. They're not entirely wrong.
Buy on eBay
AI Analysis & Price Prediction
The 1928 Irish Florin has shown consistent appreciation over the past decade. Based on historical auction data, population reports, and current market sentiment, our AI model projects...
Get AI-powered analysis for this coin
Unlock with Pro — $9.99/mo