1943 Irish Halfpenny

The 1943 Irish Halfpenny stands out for its reverse design: a hen and her chicks, etched by Percy Metcalfe as part of a series meant to evoke Ireland's rural life. That's no myth; it's a straightforward nod to the country's agricultural roots, free of the romantic nonsense some collectors spin.

Struck in bronze at the Royal Mint in London—since Ireland lacked its own facility at the time—the coin measures 25 millimeters across and weighs just over five grams. Wartime shortages didn't alter its composition, unlike some other nations' emergency issues. Ireland stayed neutral, so production carried on with relative normalcy, though materials were sourced carefully.

As for mintage, records are spotty; official figures from that era vanished in later administrative shuffles. Don't believe anyone who claims exact numbers—they're probably just guessing.

Plenty of these turn up in circulation even today. You'd think a coin with poultry on it might lay golden eggs for collectors, but it's more like finding an old penny in the sofa.