Simple, iconic images were used on the Irish coins of the 20th century.
This is a short introduction to them, with links at the bottom if this page piques your interest.
After gaining independence, a committee headed by Senator and poet W. B. Yeats chose the designs of Percy Metcalfe for the new Irish currency.
FRONT
The Irish harp (Gaelic: cláirseach) is based on the Brian Boru harp, dating from the 14th or 15th century. The intricately carved harp can still be seen in Trinity College today.
Coins dating from 1928 to 1937 show this ornate harp and are surrounded by the words ‘Saorstát Éireann’ (Irish Free State).
The design was changed from 1939 on, adapting the harp to wear better in circulation and reflecting the political changes in the previous decade.
This design was used on the obverse of all coins minted for circulation from 1939 until 2000, when the pound (punt) was replaced by the Euro.
Political figures were eschewed for use on the new coins and instead domestic animals, central to the Irish economy, were chosen. Yeat’s committee wrote:
“birds and beasts . . . what better symbols could we find for this horse riding, salmon fishing, cattle raising country?”
