1985 Irish Pound

The 1985 Irish pound coin features a leaping Atlantic salmon on its reverse, a design that nods to Ireland's rivers without the overblown folklore some attach to it.

Struck at the Royal Mint in Wales, it was composed of cupro-nickel and entered circulation as part of Ireland's decimal series. The obverse bears the Irish harp, a symbol that's as ubiquitous on their coins as rain in Dublin. At 9 grams and 26.5 mm across, it's a modest piece that saw everyday use.

Mintage figures are vague; official records from that era aren't always precise. I've examined these for years, and they're solid, if unremarkable, survivors of pre-euro Ireland.

Not every coin needs a grand narrative; sometimes, it's just a salmon on a pound.