The Irish 1931 Shilling, designed by Percy Metcalfe, featured a bull on the reverse and the Irish harp on the obverse, reflecting national identity. Its release followed the 1928 Decimal Coinage Act, symbolising economic independence and the transition from British currency. Metcalfe’s design emphasised Irish heritage, while the coin’s silver content reinforced trust in the fledgling state’s economy.
Politically, the Irish 1931 Shilling circulated during the early Irish Free State, asserting sovereignty and cultural pride. Agricultural imagery highlighted economic reliance on farming, and Metcalfe’s artistry made the coin both functional and emblematic of Ireland’s identity and economic stability.