What do all modern day Irish circulation coins have in common? If you don't know, read on. Take a look at a few different denominations starting with Ireland's Euro coins (all photos courtesy of World Coin Gallery unless noted otherwise: IRELAND 2007 2 EUROS IRELAND 2002 2 EUROS IRELAND 2002 50 EURO CENTS 2002 IRELAND 1 EURO CENT Take a look at some Irish decimal coins minted before they became a member of the European Union: IRELAND 1 POUND - TRIBUTE TO THE MILLENNIUM 1978 IRELAND 10 PENCE 1980 IRELAND 1 PENNY Take look at some Irish coins struck before their decimal issues: 1962 IRELAND HALF CROWN 1928 IRELAND 1 FLORIN 1822-1823 IRELAND 1 PENNY If you've looked at any two or more Irish coins you have already discerned that the one thing in common is that harp on the obverse of each coin. Now I ask you, "What Irish Coin was first to bear a harp upon it? What is its date and who was responsible for its creation?" The Half Groats and Groats of 1536 were the first Irish coins to feature the harp on their obverses. Henry VIII of England reigned from 1509 - 1547. Here's a photo of a 1536 Irish Groat courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. 1536 IRISH GROAT Did you know? Clinker
No, I had no idea. Thanks, Clinker! Also, the Irish sure had nice pre-euro designs, but then decided to make their circulation coins fairly dull and uniform - the harp (which is fine) and nothing but the harp. Oh well, up to them. Christian
Thanks Clinker for some reason, everyone always ask me for Irish coins so as of now I only have one :/ lol
