1971 Irish 1 Pence Coin - Great Condition - 1971 One Pence Coin UK / Ireland - Peacock Design Irish Coins - First Year of Issue

This listing is for one 1971 Irish 1 Pence Coin, as pictured.

The decimal one penny (1p) (Irish: pingin) coin was the second smallest denomination of the Irish pound. There were 100 pennies (pence) to the pound. The coin was first issued on Decimal Day, 15 February 1971. It was the second of three new designs introduced all in bronze, the others being a half-penny and a two pence coin. All featured ornamental birds designed by Irish artist Gabriel Hayes on the reverse.

The coin originally had a diameter of 2.032 centimetres and mass of 3.564 grams consisting of copper, tin and zinc. This was identical to the British decimal penny as the two countries' pounds were pegged until 1979.

The coin's official designation was "new penny" and this was changed in 1985 to "penny". In 1990 the decision was taken to produce the coin on a copper-plated steel base as the bronze had become too expensive. The steel base coins are magnetic.

1971 Irish 1 Pence Coin - Great Condition - 1971 One Pence Coin UK / Ireland - Peacock Design Irish Coins