The three-pence coin was a pre-decimal coin worth 1/80 of an Irish pound. The Irish name (leath reul) literally meant “half reul“, the reul being a sixpence coin worth the same as the Spanish real.

The design was by the English artist Percy Metcalf. Originally it was struck in nickel and was very hard-wearing. In 1942, as nickel became more valuable, the metal was changed to cupro-nickel of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The coin diameter was 0.695 inches (17.7 mm) and the weight was 3.23995 grams; this did not change with cupro-nickel coin. The coin was minted at the Royal Mint starting from 1928, and ceased to be legal tender after decimalisation on December 31, 1971.

The reverse showed a hare and the inscription of the value in the Irish script alphabet, while the obverse featured the harp, with the date and inscription Saorstát Éireann (Irish Free State), or later Éire (Ireland).

External links

• Irish Coinage website - catalogue - threepence.

• Coinage (Calling In) Order, 1971