Irish Sixpence Coin: History, Design, and Collector’s Guide

The Irish sixpence is one of the most recognisable coins of Ireland’s pre-decimal era. Introduced in 1928 as part of the Irish Free State’s first independent coinage, it combined national symbolism with a striking animal design - the Irish wolfhound - to create a coin that felt distinctly Irish from the moment it entered circulation.

Worth 1⁄40 of a pound or half a shilling, the sixpence was a familiar presence in everyday Irish life for over four decades. Today, it remains popular with collectors and those drawn to its cultural symbolism and connection to Ireland’s early years as a nation.

Irish sixpence coin overview

The Irish sixpence formed part of the first national coin series issued after independence. Unlike British coinage, which relied heavily on heraldic and royal imagery, Ireland chose animals and native symbols to reflect its rural economy and cultural heritage.

The sixpence’s wolfhound design became one of the most celebrated in the series. So strong was its appeal that the design was later considered for reuse on decimal coins, though this ultimately never came to pass.

Origins & historical significance

Ireland’s first independent coinage

Ireland’s Coinage Act of 1926 paved the way for a new national currency. The first coins were released on 12 December 1928, marking a symbolic break from British monetary control.

The sixpence was designed by Percy Metcalfe, whose work defined the entire Irish pre-decimal coin series. From the outset, the coin balanced practicality with symbolism — suitable for daily transactions while quietly reinforcing national identity.

Transition from Saorstát Éireann to Éire

Early sixpences (1928–1937) bear the inscription Saorstát Éireann (Irish Free State). From 1938 onwards, this changed to Éire, reflecting Ireland’s evolving constitutional status.

Despite political changes, the wolfhound design remained unchanged, providing visual continuity during a formative period in Irish history.

Design features & symbolism

Obverse: The Irish Harp

The obverse features a stylised Irish harp, inspired by the Brian Boru Harp housed at Trinity College Dublin.

• 1928–1937: Date split on either side of the harp, with Saorstát Éireann around the edge

• 1938–1969: Éire appears to the left of the harp, date to the right

The harp appeared on all Irish denominations, reinforcing unity across the coinage.

Reverse: The Irish Wolfhound

The reverse depicts a powerful yet restrained Irish wolfhound, chosen to symbolise loyalty, strength, and Ireland’s ancient heritage.

Although occasionally linked in folklore to Master McGrath - a famous 19th-century racing greyhound - there is no evidence the design represents a specific animal.

The wolfhound remains one of the most admired animal motifs in Irish numismatics.

Artist & design origins

Percy Metcalfe

Percy Metcalfe won the Irish coin design competition in 1927 and went on to design all eight denominations. His animal-based reverses were praised for their clarity, dignity, and durability in circulation.

The sixpence wolfhound is often regarded as one of his strongest designs.

Publio Morbiducci & pattern coins

Italian sculptor Publio Morbiducci submitted alternative designs, including a wolfhound motif. A small number of pattern sixpences based on his work were struck but never circulated.

These rare pattern coins are now highly sought after and occasionally appear at auction.

W.B. Yeats and the design committee

The coinage design committee was chaired by W.B. Yeats, who advocated for animals and birds as unifying national symbols. He believed such imagery would appeal across generations and avoid political division in a recently independent country.

Minting, metal & production

Composition changes

• 1928–1935: Struck in nickel, making the coins extremely durable

• 1942 onwards: Changed to cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) due to wartime metal pressures

The change affected longevity slightly but did not alter the coin’s size or appearance.

Production notes

• All Irish sixpence coins were minted at the Royal Mint, London

• Production paused between 1936 and 1941

• Mintages varied widely by year, creating natural scarcities

 

Circulation & demonetisation

The sixpence was widely used for everyday purchases and remained a staple of Irish currency until decimalisation.

Ireland adopted decimal currency on 15 February 1971. While there were plans for the sixpence to continue as a 2½p coin, it was ultimately withdrawn instead.

Sixpences dated 1969 were still minted during the transition, making them the last pre-decimal Irish coins produced.

 

Collector notes

Rarity & notable years

• Scarcer dates: 1933, 1934

• Most common: 1940s–1960s issues

Early Free State sixpences tend to attract stronger collector interest.

Grading & condition

Wear typically appears first on:

• The wolfhound’s head and back

• High points of the harp strings

• VF: Clear design with light wear

• EF: Sharp detail, minimal wear

• Uncirculated: Full mint lustre, no wear

Varieties & errors

• Minor die variations exist

• Occasional off-centre strikes and die cracks

• Pattern and proof strikes command significant premiums

 

Legacy & cultural impact

The Irish sixpence stands as a quiet symbol of independence - a coin that blended practicality with cultural intent. Its wolfhound design remains deeply associated with Irish identity and is frequently cited as one of the finest examples of 20th-century animal coinage.

Even decades after its withdrawal, the sixpence continues to resonate through collecting, storytelling, and reinterpretation.

If you’re drawn to the history and symbolism of the Irish sixpence, you may enjoy seeing how original Irish coins are preserved as wearable keepsakes.

→ Explore the Mintique of Cambridge Irish Coin Jewellery Collection