1928 Irish Threepence

The 1928 Irish Threepence featured a hare on its reverse, a nod to native wildlife that set it apart from the more conventional designs of the era.

This coin was struck in silver, at least for the early years, before Ireland shifted to cupro-nickel amid wartime metal shortages. The Royal Mint in London handled production, as Ireland lacked its own facility at the time. That arrangement lasted until 1968, when decimalisation rendered the threepence obsolete.

Exact mintage figures for 1928 are murky; records from that period weren't always meticulous. Still, examples in good condition turn up occasionally, reminding me of the coin's understated role in everyday transactions.

If you're hunting for one, check for wear on the hare—it's a detail that collectors fixate on, for better or worse.