The Irish 1933 Threepence, designed by Percy Metcalfe, features a hare—symbolizing Ireland’s rural heritage and natural identity. Struck in nickel, the Irish 1933 Threepence reflects a move away from silver, aligning with economic caution in the early Free State era and global metal price shifts.
In 1933, Ireland faced economic tension under de Valera’s leadership during the Anglo-Irish Trade War. The Irish 1933 Threepence, with its distinctive design and practical metal, embodied self-reliance and national identity. As part of Ireland’s first independent coinage series, the Irish 1933 Threepence marked a political and cultural assertion through design and composition.