Ireland Euro Coins

The story of Ireland is probably one of the most interesting and unique in terms of numismatics. What we intend to understand in this article is how the introduction of the euro in Ireland took place, what the coins are, what characterizes them, and what the current valid currency is in this country.

Like any other nation in the European Union, Ireland until January 1, 1999 had its own currency: the Irish pound.

This was divided into smaller denominations called penny, where 100 pence (plural of penny) were equal to one pound.

However, it should be noted that until 1826 it followed the British monetary system, being deeply linked to it. The definitive break from the English currency occurred in 1979, and the coins produced from that moment on were completely different from the British ones.

In the early 1990s, there was a new transformation with the reduction of sizes for the 5p and 10p coins, which further characterized Ireland's definitive separation from England.

The Introduction of the Euro in Ireland

As mentioned, from January 1, 1999, the Euro officially came into effect with an exchange rate set at 0.787564 Irish pounds for 1 euro. However, the European Single Currency was used exclusively for virtual payments and not physical ones, while the pound continued to be used for banknotes and coins.

The pound was defined as “the non-decimal expression of the euro.”

From January 1, 2002, banknotes and coins officially came into effect as well, and a phase of dual circulation (euro and pounds) began, which lasted until February 9, 2002. Currently, the official currency is the euro, and pounds can still be exchanged without any constraints or time limits.

After this brief introduction regarding the entry of the Euro into Ireland, let us carefully analyze the different Irish coins and their characteristics/peculiarities. To do this, we will start from the smallest denominations and work our way up to the larger ones, in a journey that will delve deep into the secrets of Irish numismatics.

Let's begin!

Let’s start with the smallest coin in the entire collection: 1 cent Euro Ireland. The coin in question, created by the author Jarlath Hayes, features very particular characteristics as can be seen from the image.

On the Obverse, the Celtic Harp is represented, which is the national symbol of Ireland. This is accompanied on the left by the inscription “EIRE,” which, in Gaelic alphabet, represents the name IRELAND.

On the right, the year of minting is indicated. The whole is surrounded by 12 stars, which specifically represent the European Union.

The Reverse instead presents the same characteristics as all 1 cent Euro coins from other nations.

But let’s move on to the technical specifications.

• Edge: The Irish 1 cent Euro coin has a completely smooth edge.
• Material: Made of steel plated with copper, consisting of 94.35% steel and 5.65% copper.
• Diameter: The diameter is very small as it represents the smallest coin in terms of Irish Euros. Specifically, 16.25 mm.
• Thickness: In this case, it also has a very contained thickness, 1.67 mm.
• Weight: A very light coin weighing 2.3 g
• Engraver: Jarlath Hayes

Following is the 2 cents Euro coin from Ireland, created by the same author as the previous one: Jarlath Hayes.

In particular, the coin in question features the Obverse, which closely resembles that of the other coins with the representation of the national symbol of Ireland, the Celtic Harp. Also, on the left, the inscription “EIRE” is indicated, which in the traditional Gaelic alphabet refers to Ireland.

On the right, the year of minting is indicated, and the whole is surrounded by 12 stars representing the European Union.

Of course, the Reverse has the same characteristics as all the 2 euro cent coins from other nations.

Now let's move on to the technical specifications.

• Edge: The edge of this coin is very interesting as it is smooth with a horizontal line in relief.
• Material: In this case, it is also a mix of steel and copper. Specifically, steel makes up 94.35% while copper accounts for 5.65%.
• Diameter: The diameter is slightly larger than that of the 1 euro cent coin. Specifically, it measures 18.75 mm.
• Thickness: The thickness is exactly the same as that of the 1 cent coin, 1.67 mm.
• Weight: The weight is quite light at 3.06 g.
• Engraver: Jarlath Hayes

Let’s move on to the first commonly used coin, the 5 Euro Cents Ireland. The author in this case is also Jarlath Hayes, and the characteristics of the coin confirm this.

On the Obverse, the coin features the classic Celtic Harp, which represents the national symbol of Ireland. To the right of it, the year of minting is indicated, while to the left, in the traditional Gaelic dialect, the word “éire” is shown, which means Ireland.
All of this is surrounded by 12 five-pointed stars that signify the European Union.

As for the Reverse, it is identical to that of the other European coins, indicating the value of 5 euro cents.

Technical characteristics:

• Edge: With the 5 euro cent coin, we return to a completely smooth edge without any details.
• Material: The material used in this case is also an alloy of steel and bronze. Specifically, 94.35% is steel while 5.65% is bronze.
• Diameter: The diameter continues to increase compared to the smaller denomination coins, reaching 21.25 mm.
• Thickness: The thickness, on the other hand, is the same as the other two coins, which is 1.67 mm.
• Weight: The weight is slightly higher at 3.92 g.
• Engraver: Jarlath Hayes

We now arrive at the 10 Cents Euro Ireland. Specifically, the coin engraved by Jarlath Hayes features characteristics common to the others.

The National Side indeed presents the typical Celtic Harp, the national symbol of Ireland. On the left, the inscription isire in the typical Gaelic dialect, which translates to the name Ireland.

On the right, the year of minting is commonly indicated, all surrounded by the 12 five-pointed stars, a classic representation of the European Union.

As for the Common Side, it is similar to the other 10 euro cent European coins. It features two different series, from 2002 and 2007, which differ from each other based on the representation of Europe as can be seen in the image.

Let's take a look at the technical characteristics of the coin

• Edge: The edge is completely different from the coins seen so far. Specifically, it is ribbed with thick milling.
• Material: The material also differs completely. In particular, this coin is made of Nordic Gold, a special alloy characterized by 89% copper, 5% aluminum, 5% zinc, and 1% tin.
• Diameter: The diameter narrows compared to the previous coin, reaching 19.75 mm.
• Thickness: The thickness, on the other hand, increases to 1.93 mm.
• Weight: The weight also slightly increases, reaching 4.10 g.
• Engraver: Jarlath Hayes

The 20 cents euro Ireland has once again been engraved by Jarlath Hayes. It features common characteristics with other coins while also standing out for some specific details.

The Obverse depicts the typical Celtic Harp, which is the national symbol of Ireland, even used by the President of the Republic in his official emblem. To the right, the year of minting is indicated, while to the left is the inscription EIRE, which in the traditional Gaelic dialect refers to the name “IRELAND”.
All of this is surrounded by 12 stars, which specifically symbolize the European Union.

As for the Reverse, it also comes in two versions, from 2002 and 2007, with the Eurozone countries depicted with borders in the 2002 series and united in the 2007 series.

Technical characteristics:

• Edge: The edge of this coin is very distinctive and unique in its kind. It features a wide reeding.
• Material: The material is the same as that of the 10 Euro cent coin, namely Nordic Gold, made of 89% copper, 5% zinc, 5% aluminum, and 1% tin.
• Diameter: The diameter is larger, not only exceeding that of the 10 cents coin but also all smaller denomination coins, measuring 22.25 mm.
• Thickness: The same applies to the thickness, which is 2.14 mm.
• Weight: The weight is also significantly greater than previous coins, at 5.74 g.
• Engraver: Jarlath Hayes

The next step is the 50 Cent Euro Ireland coin. In this case, the author and engraver is Jarlath Hayes, who reintroduces some of the features of the other coins.

The National Side represents the Celtic Harp, which can be admired in all its beauty. As can be seen from the image above, this is significantly larger than that of the other coins, with the 50 cent coin having a wider surface than the others.
As always, the year of minting and the inscription “éire,” which indicates the name Ireland in the traditional Gaelic dialect, are present.
There are also the 12 five-pointed stars representing the European Union.

The Common Side is identical to that of the other 50 cent coins and, in this case, features two different series. One from 2002 and the other from 2007, with the map of Europe depicted with the Euro countries separated in the first series and united in the second.

Now let's move on to the technical characteristics:

• Edge: The edge of this coin takes on the characteristics of the 10 cent coin. Specifically, it is ridged with thick milling.
• Material: In this case, the material used is Nordic Gold, as can be noted from the color of the coin. Specifically, it consists of 89% copper, 5% aluminum, 5% zinc, and 1% tin.
• Diameter: The diameter of the 50 cent coin is significantly larger than the previous ones, specifically 24.25 mm.
• Thickness: The thickness also increases considerably, measuring 2.38 mm.
• Weight: The same goes for the weight, which is indeed “important,” at 7.80 g.
• Engraver: Jarlath Hayes

We arrive at the 1 Euro Ireland coin, which, although created by the same author, Jarlath Hayes, has some slightly different characteristics.

Starting with the Obverse, it features two different sections. A lighter inner section and a darker outer section. In the inner part, the Celtic Harp, the national symbol of Ireland, is represented.
To the right is the year of minting, while to the left is the inscription éire, which indicates the term Ireland in the traditional Gaelic dialect.
In the outer part of the coin, which is lighter, there are the 12 stars representing the European Union.

As for the Reverse, it is the same as the other 1 Euro coins. In this case, there are also two series that represent the European borders in a slightly different way.

Technical characteristics:

• Edge: The design of this specific coin is very particular as it is ribbed and discontinuous.
• Material: The material used is completely different from those seen so far. Specifically, it is a double material. The outer part is made of nickel-brass, characterized by 75% copper, 20% zinc, and 5% nickel. The inner part is an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
• Diameter: The diameter is slightly reduced compared to the 50 cent coin, measuring 23.25 mm.
• Thickness: The thickness is 2.33 mm, slightly less than the previous coin.
• Weight: The weight is 7.50 g
• Engraver: Jarlath Hayes

Finally, we have arrived at the last of the Irish coins, the 2 Euro Ireland. This is the circulating coin, so if you cannot find the Irish 2 euro coin you are looking for, it is probably a commemorative coin that we discussed here: 2 euro commemorative Ireland. The designer is Jarlath Hayes, but the characteristics, especially technical ones, are very different from the other coins.

As for the National Side, it is characterized by two well-defined sections. In the innermost part, the Celtic Harp, the national symbol of Ireland, is represented as always.
On the left is the classic inscription EIRE in Gaelic, indicating the name IRELAND, and on the right is the year of minting.
In the outer part, the 12 stars symbolizing the European Union are represented.

As for the Common Side, it is identical to that of the other 2 Euro coins, although there are two series, the first produced between 2002 and 2006. The two versions differ slightly in the representation of the European borders.

Now let's look at the technical characteristics of this coin:

• Edge: The edge is completely different from the coins seen so far. In particular, it is finely milled with the number “2” in relief. This is followed by two stars and another “2” inverted downwards. This pattern is repeated six times around the entire coin.
• Material: As with the 1 Euro coin, the material differs between the outer and inner parts. The outer part is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The innermost part is made of 75% copper, 5% nickel, and 20% zinc.
• Diameter: The diameter is the largest among Irish coins at 25.75 mm.
• Thickness: The thickness is slightly less than that of the 1 euro coin, at 2.20 mm.
• Weight: The weight is the heaviest of all Irish Euro coins, at 8.50 g.
• Engraver: Jarlath Hayes