The Irish 1959 Florin coin, designed by Percy Metcalfe, features a traditional Irish harp and a depiction of the Irish lion. Minted in cupronickel, the 1959 Florin reflected Ireland’s economic shift during the 1950s as it sought to modernize its economy and assert its national identity.
Politically, the 1959 Florin was issued just after Ireland had declared itself a republic in 1949. The coins design and cupronickel composition emphasized Irelands desire for independence and stability, symbolizing both the countrys growing confidence on the world stage and its economic focus on trade and self-sufficiency.