The Irish 1940 Florin, designed by Percy Metcalfe, featured a salmon on the reverse and the Irish harp on the obverse, reflecting Ireland’s cultural identity and economic reliance on agriculture. Its nickel-brass composition addressed wartime metal shortages during World War II. The Irish 1940 Florin circulated widely, linking everyday commerce to national pride and practical coinage design.
The Irish 1940 Florin also coincided with Ireland’s Emergency period, highlighting the need for durable, accessible coins amid economic constraints. Metcalfe’s design balanced artistic detail with functionality, ensuring recognisability. The coin embodies political neutrality, economic adaptation, and Metcalfe’s lasting influence on Irish numismatics.