1971 Irish 2 Pence
Ireland
1971–1986
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$0.08
Based on Copper spot price ($6.06/oz) · 95.0% purity · 6.55g
Updated 6:57 AM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Ireland |
| Years Minted | 1971–1986 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 6.55 g |
| Diameter | 25.91 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
The obverse features the Irish harp, the national emblem of Ireland.
Reverse
The reverse depicts a hen with chicks.
History & Notable Facts
The 1971 Irish 2 pence stands out as Ireland's first bronze coin in the decimal system, marking the shift from pounds, shillings, and pence to a decimal format that February.
This coin, struck at the Royal Mint in Wales, features a sow and her piglets on the reverse, designed by Paul Vincze, with the Irish harp on the obverse. It's composed of bronze, a mix of copper, tin, and zinc, weighing about 7.1 grams and measuring 25.9 millimeters across. Mintage figures aren't precisely recorded, though estimates suggest millions were produced for circulation.
Collectors sometimes overlook it amid the decimal transition's excitement, but its simple design reflects Ireland's rural heritage without fuss. As for myths, I've heard tales of hidden silver content—nonsense, it's pure bronze through and through.
Not every coin needs to be a headline; this one just got the job done.
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