Between 1928 and 1966, the Irish half-penny featured designs by Percy Metcalfe: an Irish harp on the obverse and a pig on the reverse, symbolizing cultural heritage and the agrarian economy.
Initially struck in bronze, the coin's material reflected durability, though wartime copper shortages prompted considerations to alter its composition. Despite these pressures, the design remained consistent, symbolizing continuity.
By 1966, the half-penny was a staple of daily life, resonating with the public as a link to Ireland's rural past and its journey toward economic independence. It symbolized the nation's heritage and aspirations for prosperity.