Ireland 1 penny harp pendant

The Irish 1 penny coin, issued between 1971 and 1988, is a distinctive piece of Ireland’s decimal coinage. Made of bronze and weighing 3.56 grams, it measures 20.32 mm in diameter. The obverse features a traditional Irish harp, the national emblem of Ireland, accompanied by the word “Éire” and the year of minting. This harp design reflects Ireland’s deep-rooted cultural identity and has appeared on Irish coins since the 1920s. The reverse showcases a stylized bird adapted from the medieval Book of Kells, a masterpiece of Celtic art. Designed by artist Gabriel Hayes, the bird is rendered in intricate detail, symbolizing Ireland’s artistic heritage and early Christian history. The denomination “1p” appears beside the bird in a clean, modern font. The coin was minted at both the Irish Mint in Dublin and the Royal Mint in the UK. It was demonetized in 2002 with the introduction of the euro, but it remains a beloved collector’s item. The 1 penny coin is admired not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its cultural resonance, blending ancient symbolism with modern design. It stands as a small yet meaningful artifact of Ireland’s transition into the modern monetary era.