1937 Irish Halfpenny

The 1937 Irish halfpenny was struck with a sow and her piglets on the reverse, a design choice that reflected Ireland's agricultural backbone without any romantic nonsense.

This bronze coin, weighing in at about 5.6 grams and measuring 25 millimeters across, was part of the Free State's early currency efforts. The obverse featured the familiar Irish harp, a motif dating back centuries, but simplified for modern minting. Records suggest it was produced at the Royal Mint in London, as Ireland lacked its own facilities at the time.

Mintage numbers remain uncertain; official tallies from that period were poorly kept. I've handled dozens of these over the years—sturdy little things, though they tarnish quickly if not stored properly.

Some collectors chase the proofs, thinking they're rare beasts. They're not.