Description

The two pence (2p) (Irish: dhá phingin) coin was the third 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 third of three new designs introduced all in bronze, the others being the halfpenny and penny. All featured ornamental birds on the reverse.

The coin was designed by the Irish artist Gabriel Hayes and the design is adapted from the Second Bible of Charles the Bald held at Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.

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 1998

Reverse

Decorative initial "U" resembling a bird.

2P

Edge

2 Pence

KM# 21a Sp# 6708
Characteristics
Material Copper Plated Steel
Weight 7.12 g
Diameter 25.9 mm
Thickness 2 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

Bronze, 7.1 g, ⌀ 25.9 mm