The Irish 1964 Threepence, designed by Percy Metcalfe, features a hare, symbolizing Irish agriculture. Struck in nickel-brass, its composition reflected economic shifts as Ireland moved away from silver-based coinage. The 1960s saw Ireland’s economic modernization under Seán Lemass, aligning with European markets. The threepence’s metal choice mirrored industrial growth and cost-effective minting amid global metal price fluctuations.
In 1964, the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement was being negotiated, foreshadowing Ireland’s later EEC entry. The Irish 1964 Threepence, a staple of daily transactions, represented national identity in an evolving economy. Metcalfe’s design linked tradition with modernity, as Ireland navigated economic and political change.