A RARE TWENTY PENCE COIN, 1985

 

The twenty pence introduced on 30th October 1986 was first Irish decimal coin that was of a different size to the corresponding British coin, as the Irish...

A RARE TWENTY PENCE COIN, 1985

 

The twenty pence introduced on 30th October 1986 was first Irish decimal coin that was of a different size to the corresponding British coin, as the Irish pound had not been pegged to the British pound since 1979. Its emblem was of a horse or the Irish hunter which appeared on the pre-decimal coin that was produced between 1928-1967.The coin has a yellow-brass colour due to its composition. Prior to the introduction of the new twenty pence piece in 1986 a quantity of coins dated 1985 were struck for testing. These coins were dated 1985, as it was against the law to provide coins with a future date.

They were issued to various companies and organisations to test the weight of the coin in order to calibrate devices such as vending machines, telephone boxes or meters. Following this period of testing the coins were returned to the central bank, however some escaped being melted down and are now in private hands. There was a very small original production run with around 500 coins being released and it is estimated that less than 50 pieces were not returned. With this in mind the coins are extremely rare, surpassing even the seldom seen 1943 florin.

 

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