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Ireland 3 Pence 1942

Ireland · 1942 · 3 pence
Circulating coinUncommonAU · About uncirculated
€1.80estimate in AU
4,000,000coins minted
N968 KM12a Sp6642
JSReference number JSJS-WVB3K
Circulating coin

Coin of the pre-decimal system (LSD). It is the first year of issue in cupronickel, following the wartime shortage of nickel.

The coin's story

This coin belongs to Percy Metcalfe's Irish animal series. It was struck in cupronickel for the first time in 1942, replacing the nickel composition in use until 1940.

    ObverseThe Harp

    ÉIRE 1942
    Design
    The traditional Celtic harp (cláirseach), the national emblem of Ireland, facing left. It is inspired by the Brian Boru harp (Trinity College).
    Legend
    The name of the country, ÉIRE, is inscribed on the left and the date 1942 on the right.

    PMEngraved by Percy Metcalfe

    ReverseThe Hare

    LEAT REUL 3d
    Design
    A hare in a wheat field, facing left.
    Denomination
    The denomination “LEAT REUL” (meaning “half reul” in Irish) is at the top, with the value 3d (3 pence) at the bottom.

    PMEngraved by Percy Metcalfe

    Specifications

    • Denomination3 pence
    • Year1942
    • Mintage4,000,000
    • MintRoyal Mint, Londres
    • MaterialCopper-nickel
    • ShapeRound
    • Diameter17.7 mm
    • Thickness1.81 mm
    • Weight3.16 g
    • EdgePlain
    • ScriptsLatin, Irish

    Actual size

    3 pence 17.7 mm 2 € 25.75 mm 1 € 23.25 mm

    Actual size compared with the 2 € and 1 € coins. Thickness: 1.81 mm.

    Composition

    Copper75 % Nickel25 %

    Reference catalogues

    N968Numista KM12aKrause (Standard Catalog of World Coins) Sp6642Spink

    Same country, same period at the scale of real diameters

    3 pence1942 · 17.7 mm 1 farthing1941 · 20.3 mm 1 shilling1941 · 23.6 mm 2 shillings1939 · 28.5 mm 1 penny1941 · 30.7 mm ½ crown1939 · 32.3 mm

    By the same engraver: Percy Metcalfe 31 coins

    1928Ireland 1 shilling 1928 proof 1928Ireland ½ penny 1928 - Irish Free State - Sow and Piglets 1928Ireland ¼ penny (farthing) 1928 - Irish Free State - Snipe 1928Ireland 6 pence 1928 - Irish Free State - Irish Wolfhound 1930Greece 20 drachmai 1930 - Poseidon 1930Greece 10 drachmai 1930 - Ear of wheat 1930Ireland ½ crown 1930 1930Ireland 2 shillings (florin) 1930 1931Ireland 1 penny 1931 - Irish Free State - Hen and Chicks 1934Ireland 3 pence 1934 - Irish Free State - Hare

    Ireland in the collection All 36 coins →

    18051990

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