Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1971-2000
Number of Types: 2
Composition: Bronze (type 1), Copper Plated Steel (type 2)
Diameter: 20.3 mm
Weight: 3.56 grams
Type 1 Total Mintage: 459,675,000 (approximate)
Type 2 Total Mintage: 581,974,000 (approximate)
Obverse Design: Harp
Reverse Design: Bird
Design
The obverse design features the Irish Harp separating the date and legend “EIRE” or Ireland.
The reverse was designed by Gabriel Hayes and features a rendition of a stylized bird based on images from the Book of Kell where stylized letter initials featuring the art were used. To the right of the design is the denomination “1 P”.
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Types
In 1988, the composition was changed from Bronze to Copper Plated Steel. 1988 coinage was issued in both compositions and because they were the same size, weight, & color they are difficult to differentiate by eye. The easiest way to determine which 1988 composition coin you have is to use a magnet as all of the plated steel used for coinage was magnetic.
Type 1 - Bronze composition 1971 to 1988
Type 2 - Copper plated steel composition 1988 to 2000
General Market Notes
There are no rarities to the series. Coins are affordable and readily available.