Description

The decimal one penny (1p) (Irish: pingin) coin was the second smallest denomination of the Irish pound. It was first issued when the Irish currency was decimalised on Decimal Day, 15 February 1971. It was the second of three new designs introduced all in bronze, the others being a half-penny and a two pence coin. The coin was identical to the British decimal penny as the two countries' pounds were pegged until 1979. The coin's official designation was "new penny" and this was changed in 1985 to "penny".

The coin was designed by the Irish artist Gabriel Hayes and the design is adapted from the Book of Kells held in Trinity College, Dublin.

Obverse

The Celtic harp is a triangular harp traditional to Brittany, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In Ireland and Scotland it was a wire-strung instrument requiring great skill and long practice to play, and was associated with the Gaelic ruling class. In the Republic of Ireland, it appears on the coins and coat of arms.

Éire is Irish for "Ireland", the name of an island and a sovereign state.

éIRe 1988

Reverse

Stylized bird adapted from an ornamental detail in the book of Kells.

1P

Edge

1 Penny

KM# 20a Sp# 6709
Characteristics
Material Copper Plated Steel
Weight 3.56 g
Diameter 20.3 mm
Thickness 1.65 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

Bronze, 9.45 g, ⌀ 30.9 mm

Bronze, 3.56 g, ⌀ 20.32 mm