The Irish 1942 Half Penny coin, designed by Percy Metcalfe, was minted during World War II, a period of economic difficulty for Ireland. Metcalfe’s design featured a hen on the obverse, symbolizing Ireland’s agricultural economy. The coin was struck in bronze, reflecting the country’s limited resources during the war and the need to conserve metals for military purposes.
The 1942 Half Penny coin was part of Irelands effort to maintain economic stability while staying neutral in the war. Metcalfe’s design highlighted the importance of agriculture to the Irish identity. The bronze composition reflected the scarcity of metals, making the coin both a symbol of wartime resilience and economic adaptation.