Irish penny coin

The Irish penny coin was the third smallest denomination of the Irish currency and worth 1/240 of an Irish pound. At the time of the coins introduction it was described as "most frequently used by the women of the house and by the children", this description today would almost certainly lead to accusations of sexism but in the Irish Free State of 1928 it caused little effect.

Of the original series of Irish coins, produced in 1928, this coin is the only to feature an inanimate object - the hen clutches an arrowhead in its left claw.

The design was by the English artist Percy Metcalf. The coin diameter was 1.215 inches and the weight was 145.83333 grams. The coin was introduced in 1928 and ceased to be legal tender on December 31, 1971.

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