It was in 1928 when the first coins of the Irish Free State were released. The designs by Percy Metcalfe were chosen for their depiction of agriculture which was essential to the economy of Ireland at the time (example pictured left). This artwork was reincarnated in decimal coinage up until the adoption of the Euro in 2002.

To commemorate these designs, three EUR15 coins will be released over three years.

The brief is to pay respect to the original theme chosen in 1928.

This will be the first time Percy Metcalfe’s artwork will be presented in the Euro currency. A lot has happened to Ireland since 1928. Since the formation of the Free State of Ireland the country has grown and evolved. Now with the Euro, still in its relative infancy, we are witness to a new generation of currency and a new era of economy for the nation.

“New Generation” is the theme chosen for these new coins.
Percy Metcalfe’s original designs are replicated but with the addition of the animal’s offspring.