Coin

½ Reul = 3 Pence (1962) — Ireland

Ireland • 1962 • KM# 12a, Sp# 6642, Schön# 12a

½ Reul = 3 Pence (1962) — Ireland

Overview

Pre-Decimal Irish 3 Pence coin from 1962.

Specifications

Country
Ireland
Year
1962
Composition
Copper-nickel
Weight
3.24 g
Diameter
17.7 mm
Thickness
1.81 mm
Mint
Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
References
KM# 12a, Sp# 6642, Schön# 12a
Issuer
Ireland

Design details

Obverse

Irish harp with the country name to the left and the date to the right.

Reverse

Seated hare, facing left with the words leat & reul 3d

Collector insights

  • Design heritage: Percy Metcalfe is credited as the designer for the Pre Decimal 1939-1969 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 3,200,000. 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# 12a, Sp# 6642, Schön# 12a. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

Curator Insights

Historical context

During the early 1960s, Ireland maintained a stable currency pegged to the British Pound Sterling, continuing the Pre-Decimal system established decades prior. The 1962 three pence was struck in London at the Royal Mint to facilitate everyday commerce before the eventual transition to decimalization in 1971. This period represents the final decade of the traditional Irish coinage designs that characterized the mid-20th century.

Design heritage

Percy Metcalfe designed the motifs for this series, known for his work on the British Imperial coinage and the 1928 Irish Free State issues. The obverse features the Cláirseach, a traditional Irish harp, while the reverse depicts a seated hare, representing the rural and agricultural heritage of the nation. The denomination is inscribed as '3d' and 'leat reul,' referring to the half-reul value in the pre-decimal system.

Varieties and technical notes

This issue was struck with a plain edge and a round shape using copper-nickel planchets. Collectors typically examine the relief details for signs of die wear, particularly on the fine lines of the harp strings and the hare's ears. As a standard circulation strike from the Royal Mint at Tower Hill, no major official varieties are recognized for this specific year.

Survival and modern availability

With a mintage of 3,200,000 pieces, the 1962 three pence remains relatively accessible for collectors of the series today. Many examples were removed from circulation following the 1971 demonetization process, though the low face value often resulted in significant quantities being stored in private jars rather than returned for melting. Higher grade examples are notably scarcer due to the soft nature of the copper-nickel alloy, which tends to show contact marks easily.

More from Ireland

Other ½ Reul = 3 Pence issues

Explore more

Browse more items in the full catalog or view Ireland in the country guide.