Halfpenny (Irish decimal coin)

Halfpenny / Leathphingin

Ireland
Value	1⁄2 penny
Mass	1.78 g
Diameter	17.14 mm
Thickness	approx. 1 mm
Edge	Plain
Composition	Bronze
Years of minting	1971–1986
Catalog number	—
Obverse
Design	Irish harp
Design date	1971 (first use 1928)
Reverse
Design	Ornamental bird
Designer	Gabriel Hayes
Design date	1971

The decimal halfpenny (1⁄2p) (Irish: leathphingin) coin was the smallest denomination of the Irish pound. It was first issued when the Irish currency was decimalised on Decimal Day, 15 February 1971. It was one of three new designs introduced all in bronze and featuring ornamental birds on the reverse. The coin value was weakened by inflation and very few were produced beyond the initial run for 1971. It was removed from circulation and demonetised on 1 January 1987.