Coin
½ Reul = 3 Pence (1933) — Ireland
Ireland • 1933 • KM# 4, Sp# 6629
Overview
Irish Free State 3 Pence coin from 1933.
Specifications
- Country
- Ireland
- Year
- 1933
- Composition
- Nickel
- Weight
- 3.24 g
- Diameter
- 17.5 mm
- Thickness
- 1.72 mm
- Mint
- Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom
- Shape
- Round
- Technique
- Milled
- References
- KM# 4, Sp# 6629
- Issuer
- Ireland
Design details
Obverse
The date was split either side of the harp with the name Saorstát Éireann circling around.
Reverse
Seated hare, facing left with the words leat & reul 3d
Collector insights
- Design heritage: Percy Metcalfe is credited as the designer for the Irish Free State 1928-1937 series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
- Struck at: Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom. Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
- Mintage vs. survival: A moderate mintage of 320,000. Grade rarity is usually the driver of value here — mid-grade circulated pieces are common, but original-surface uncirculated coins can command a strong premium.
- Catalogue reference: Listed as
KM# 4, Sp# 6629. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.
Curator Insights
Historical context
During the initial years of the Irish Free State, the government moved to establish an independent currency system to replace British sterling. This 1933 issue represents a mid-series production within the 1928-1937 window of Saorstát Éireann coinage. Though pegged to the British pound, these coins asserted sovereign identity through distinct Gaelic typography and national symbolism.
Design heritage
The reverse features a seated hare designed by Percy Metcalfe, who was selected following a competitive committee process involving high-profile international artists. The obverse displays the Cláirseach, or Brian Boru harp, which remains the primary heraldic emblem of Ireland. Metcalfe's work on this series is noted for its clean, modernist interpretation of naturalistic imagery.
Varieties and technical notes
This nickel issue features a plain edge and was struck using a milled technique at the Royal Mint in London. Collectors should examine the strike quality on the hare's ears and the clarity of the Gaelic lettering on the obverse to distinguish high-grade examples. There are no officially recognized major die varieties for this specific year, though slight variations in strike depth may occur.
Survival and modern availability
With a mintage of 320,000, the 1933 three pence is significantly scarcer than the high-volume issues of 1928 or 1935. Many examples suffered heavy wear during long-term circulation before the currency was eventually demonetized. Finding specimens in high mint state is a challenge for series specialists due to the durability of the nickel alloy and the relatively low production numbers for this date.
Related pieces
More from Ireland
Explore more
Browse more items in the full catalog or view Ireland in the country guide.