Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1971-2000
Number of Types: 2
Composition: Bronze (type 1), Copper Plated Steel (type 2)
Diameter: 25.9 mm
Weight: 7.12 grams
Type 1 Total Mintage: 309,762,000 (approximate)
Type 2 Total Mintage: 269,948,000 (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 Second Bible of Charles the Bald. Above the design is the denomination “2 P”.
.
.
.
.
.
.
| Obverse | Reverse |
|---|---|
 |
|
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.