Rare 1928-1937 Irish Free State Coin Set. First & Last Years. Iconic Animals

This hand-selected, 4-coin heritage set captures the ultimate evolution of Ireland’s money—from the very first coins minted after independence to the final days before the Republic was officially born.Whether you are a seasoned numismatist, a history lover, or looking for a meaningful piece of Irish heritage, this set is a beautiful time capsule.

The Legend Begins (1928 Threepence / Leath Reul): This is the holy grail for animal series collectors—the absolute FIRST year of independent Irish coinage. Minted under the supervision of poet W.B. Yeats, this solid-nickel coin features the iconic Irish Hare (Rabbit) and the incredibly rare pre-Republic "Saorstát Éireann" (Irish Free State) inscription.

The Final Chapter (1937 One Penny / Pinghin): A massive bronze piece featuring the beautiful Hen & Chicks design. This is the FINAL year of issue to ever bear the Irish Free State title before the constitution changed in 1938.

The Majestic Hunter Horse (1964 Half Crown): The heavy, impressive pre-decimal "Two-and-Six" piece featuring the proud Irish Hunter Horse.

The Living Legacy (1988 20 Pence): A brilliant companion piece showing how the exact same legendary hunter horse artwork was carried forward into modern decimal currency.

When the newly independent Irish Free State needed its first national currency in 1926, the government formed an expert coinage committee. They appointed the legendary Irish poet William Butler Yeats as the committee chairman.

Yeats and his panel wanted a clean break from traditional, rigid British coins. They strictly decided that the currency would feature no politicians, no religious symbols, and no patriotic icons to ensure the design wouldn't cause any social or political division. Instead, they chose to celebrate Ireland's rich agricultural economy and heritage through its animals.
The committee launched a closed, anonymous competition inviting prominent artists from Ireland, the UK, Europe, and America to submit designs. Seven masters entered. When the judges examined the blind submissions, every single judge independently selected the artwork of a relatively unknown English artist, Percy Metcalfe.