The Irish florin, also known as the two-shilling coin, was first minted in 1928. Designed by Percy Metcalfe, it featured a salmon on the reverse and an Irish harp on the obverse. This coin was part of the pre-decimal Irish pound system, circulating until 1994.
Initially, the Irish florin was made of 75% silver, giving it a distinctive whitish appearance. From 1943, the composition changed to cupronickel, consisting of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This change was partly due to the need for more durable and cost-effective materials.
The salmon design on the florin reflects Ireland’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of fishing. The harp symbolises Irish identity and history, being a long-standing national emblem. These elements combined to create a coin that was both functional and symbolic.