Farthing (Irish coin)

The Irish farthing coin (Template:Lang-ga) was the lowest value coin of the pre-decimal Irish pound, worth a quarter of a penny (¼d), 1/48 of a shilling or 1/960 of a pound. The coin had lost much of its value through inflation long before decimalisation in 1971, and during the 1960s no farthings were produced for general circulation; those minted in 1966 were produced for collectors' sets.

The design featuring a woodcock was by English artist Percy Metcalfe, and the coin measured 0.795 inches (20.2 mm) in diameter and weighed 2.83405 grams. It was introduced in 1928 to replace the British farthing and ceased to be legal tender on 1 August 1969. As the Irish pound was pegged to the British pound until 1979, the Irish farthing had the same dimensions and weight as the British version.

Ireland was one of only four nations (including Britain, South Africa and Jamaica) to issue farthing coins in the 20th century.

Irish farthings, like all non-current Irish coins, may be redeemed for euros at the Central Bank in Dublin each weekday morning. Due to its slight value (about one six-hundredth of a euro), several must be redeemed to have any return at all.

See also

• St. Patrick halfpenny

External links

• Irish coinage website - catalogue - farthings.
• Coinage (Calling In) Order, 1969