Ireland 5 Pence (5p) Bull Coin - Base Metal/Cupro-Nickel Construction
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation) · None. The silver/grey appearance is typical of industrial nickel-based alloys, not White Gold.
Purity: Non-gold/0K. This is a base metal coin composed of 75% Copper and 25% Nickel (Cupro-Nickel). It contains no gold content.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation)
Purity
Non-gold/0K. This is a base metal coin composed of 75% Copper and 25% Nickel (Cupro-Nickel). It contains no gold content.
Gold Type
None. The silver/grey appearance is typical of industrial nickel-based alloys, not White Gold.
Weight
3.25 grams (standard weight for the 1990-2000 smaller variety) or 5.65 grams (pre-1990 larger variety).
Description
An Irish 5 Pence coin featuring the iconic 'Bull' design by Percy Metcalfe. While visually striking, this item is a piece of base-metal currency from Ireland's pre-Euro decimal system and is not made of gold or any precious metal.
Key Features
Depiction of a bull walking left on a horizontal line; '5P' denomination marking; raised rim; silver-colored base metal composition.
Color & Finish
Silver-toned cupro-nickel with a circulated matte finish. The surface shows moderate scuffing and oxidation common to pocket-wear coinage.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '5P' on the reverse. No precious metal hallmarks or fineness stamps are present as it is legal tender base metal currency.
Dimensions Estimate
18.5 mm (small type) or 23.59 mm (large type) diameter; approx 1.7 mm thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a struck metal coin with no decorative stones or inlays.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable/Smooth edge. Standard circulation coin rim.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. Reeding may be present on the edge, typical of Irish decimal 5p coins.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck die-pressed coin. The strike shows standard industrial depth for mass-produced circulation currency.
Authentication Indicators
The '5P' stamp and bull motif are definitive markers of Irish base metal currency. The lack of purity hallmarks and the dull grey-blue patina indicate a lack of precious metal.
Origin & Maker
Ireland (Eire); Minted by the Central Bank of Ireland (Curpach) or the Royal Mint (UK) under contract.
Era & Period
Modern Decimalization Era (Republic of Ireland). Specifically designed by Percy Metcalfe (original series released 1928, decimalized version 1969-2000).
Age Estimate
Circa 1969-2000. This specific '5P' design was retired in 2002 after the adoption of the Euro.
Cultural Significance
A staple of Irish daily life for the latter half of the 20th century before the Euro transition. It represents the modernization of Irish currency.
Condition Notes
Circulated (Fine to Very Fine). Surface exhibits contact marks, small scratches (bag marks), and typical dulling of the luster through circulation.
Value Estimate
Face value: Decollectible (withdrawn). Market value: $0.10 - $1.00 USD. Melt value: negligible (cents in scrap copper/nickel).
Care & Maintenance
Keep in a dry environment to prevent nickel oxidation. No professional cleaning or polishing is required as the item holds minimal numismatic value.
Similar Items
Irish 5p coins have similar counterparts in the British 5p (same size specifications) and other Celtic-themed base metal medals.
Interesting Facts
The bull design was originally part of a series created for the Irish Free State in 1928, intended to represent the country's agricultural wealth.