1945 Irish Shilling
Ireland
1928–1945
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$11.03
Based on Silver spot price ($80.83/oz) · 75.0% purity · 5.66g
Updated 11:01 AM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Ireland |
| Years Minted | 1928–1945 |
| Composition | 75% silver, 25% copper |
| Weight | 5.66 g |
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
Features a Celtic harp with the word 'EIRE' inscribed.
Reverse
Depicts an Irish wolfhound.
History & Notable Facts
The 1945 Irish Shilling was struck using cupro-nickel planchets, a wartime necessity that replaced the silver used in pre-1942 issues.
This coin, part of Ireland's Free State series, bears the harp on one side and a bull on the other, both designed by Percy Metcalfe. Mintage figures for that year aren't precisely recorded, though estimates suggest it was modest due to post-war material shortages. Ireland remained neutral during the conflict, which influenced its coin production—metals were scarce, and imports tricky.
The obverse shows the Irish coat of arms, while the reverse features the bull facing left. It's unremarkable in wear, as many circulated heavily in the late 1940s. Some numismatists confuse it with earlier silver shillings, but that's a common oversight.
Debates persist about subtle die variations, but evidence is thin. As for rarity, it's not as overblown as some claim.
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