In 1971, Ireland decimalised its currency in parallel with the UK. We did this because we were tied to the UK Pound at that time and, of course, all of our coins were minted at the Royal Mint in the UK. Decimalisation also brought all of our coins back in line with the UK coin…
The one euro coin (€1) is the new basic unit of currency for the Euro Zone – an area where a common currency (the Euro) is used. This new economic area was implemented on 1st January 2002 when 12 national currencies of varying values were replaced with new coinage and banknotes. The rates of exchange were…
These sets are similar to the coins that circulate but are struck on specially produced, highly polished flans (also known as blanks, or planchets). The Central Bank of Ireland has maintained their conservative approach to the issue of proof sets and, to date, only seven sets have been made available for collectors to purchase. The…
Most of the coins listed below were struck as ‘proofs’ – the exception being the first of the series, the €5 Special Olympics coin. This was a cupro-nickel coin and is available as BU mini-presentation folder. In addition to this, all other coins were struck in either Sterling silver or gold and are issued in…
At present, in Ireland, it is illegal to use a metal detector without a license and these licenses are very difficult to obtain + very restrictive in terms of where one can use a metal detector. At face value, it is a common sense law designed to protect Ireland’s rich archaeological heritage from vandals, looters…
The Irish 50 cent euro coin (€0.50) has a value of one half of a euro and is composed of an alloy called Nordic gold. Value 0.50 euro Mass 7.80 g Diameter 24.25 mm Thickness 2.38 mm Edge Regular, fine indentations Composition Nordic gold Nordic gold is the gold-coloured copper alloy from which the middle three denominations of euro…
The 20 cent euro coin (€0.20) has a value of one fifth of a euro and are composed of an alloy called nordic gold in the Spanish flower shape. a type of coin flan shape, consisting of a smooth edge separated into equal sections by seven indents the ECB explained that the the Spanish flower…
The 10 cent euro coin (€0.10) has a value of one tenth of a euro and is composed of an alloy called Nordic gold. Value 0.10 euro Mass 4.10 g Diameter 19.75 mm Thickness 1.93 mm Edge Regular, fine indentations Composition Nordic gold Nordic gold is the gold-coloured copper alloy from which the middle three denominations of euro coins,…
The 5 cent euro coin (€0.05) has a value of one twentieth of a euro and is composed of copper-covered steel. The coin has been used since 2002 and was not redesigned in 2007 as was the case with the higher value coins. Value 0.05 euro Mass 3.92 g Diameter 21.25 mm Thickness 1.67 mm Edge Smooth Composition Copper-covered…
The 2 cent euro coin (€0.02) has a value of one-hundredth of a euro and is composed of copper-covered steel. The coins of every Euro country have a common reverse and each has a country-specific (national) obverse. The coin has been used since 2002 and was not redesigned in 2007 as was the case with…
The Old Currency Exchange is a specialist dealer and valuer of Irish & GB coins, tokens and banknotes 