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Ireland 50 Pence 1970 - The Woodcock

Ireland · 1970 · 50 pence
Circulating coinUncommonUNC · Uncirculated
€3.20estimate in UNC
9,000,000coins minted
KM24 Sp6702 N1128
JSReference number JSJS-CCG3H
Circulating coin

First issue of this denomination, introduced before Decimal Day (1971).

The coin's story

This decimal coin was put into circulation to ease the monetary transition. Its distinctive shape is a Reuleaux heptagon (7 curved sides), a shape of constant width.

    ObverseThe Harp

    ÉIRE 1970
    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 1970 on the right.

    PMEngraved by Percy Metcalfe

    ReverseThe Woodcock

    50P
    Design
    A woodcock in flight, facing left.
    Denomination
    The value 50P is inscribed above the bird.

    PMEngraved by Percy Metcalfe

    Specifications

    • Denomination50 pence
    • Year1970
    • Mintage9,000,000
    • MintRoyal Mint, Llantrisant
    • MaterialCupronickel
    • ShapeReuleaux heptagon (7 curved sides)
    • Diameter30 mm
    • Thickness2.4 mm
    • Weight13.5 g
    • EdgeThe edge is plain
    • ScriptsLatin, Irish

    Actual size

    50 pence 30 mm 2 € 25.75 mm 1 € 23.25 mm

    Actual size compared with the 2 € and 1 € coins. Thickness: 2.4 mm.

    Composition

    Copper75 % Nickel25 %

    Reference catalogues

    KM24Krause (Standard Catalog of World Coins) Sp6702Spink N1128Numista

    Same country, same period at the scale of real diameters

    ½ penny1971 · 17.15 mm 1 penny1971 · 20.3 mm 6 pence1968 · 20.8 mm 5 pence1970 · 23.5 mm 5 pence1971 · 23.59 mm 2 pence1971 · 25.91 mm 10 pence1969 · 28.5 mm 50 pence1970 · 30 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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