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1928 Irish Threepence Cufflinks – First Irish Free State Coin – Rare Gift

124.00

Historic cufflinks made using genuine 1928 Irish threepence coins from the first year of Ireland’s national coinage.

First issued in December 1928, these distinctive coins feature Percy Metcalfe’s Irish hare and the inscription “Saorstát Éireann,” meaning Irish Free State.

Each pair is handmade in Dalkey, County Dublin, and supplied in a silver-coloured presentation box.

  • Genuine Irish coins dated 1928
  • First year of Ireland’s national coinage
  • Original “Saorstát Éireann” inscription
  • Handmade in Ireland
  • Presentation box included
  • Normally dispatched within 24 hours
  • 30-day returns
  • No engraving or personalisation required

In 1928 WB Yeats chaired the first Irish coin committee and these coins are the first series of coins made for the Irish state. The coins have the letters ‘Saorstat Eireann’ meaning Irish Free State. As this was the first year Irish coins were made, they are rare. Please click on the photograph for a closer look.

Click on the description button for a look at events from 1928

Description

A genuine piece of Irish history

These cufflinks are made using genuine Irish threepence coins dated 1928—the first year in which the Irish Free State issued its own national coinage.

Each coin carries the original date and the words “Saorstát Éireann,” meaning Irish Free State. This inscription appeared on Irish coins from 1928 until 1939, when it was replaced by “Éire.”

Each pair is handmade in Dalkey, County Dublin, using genuine circulated coins. Small variations in colour, finish and signs of circulation may be visible. These natural differences reflect the coins’ history and help make every pair unique.

The story behind the 1928 Irish threepence

Following the Coinage Act 1926, a committee chaired by Irish poet W. B. Yeats selected designs for the new Irish Free State coins. The committee recommended using native Irish animals to represent the country’s largely agricultural economy.

Artist Percy Metcalfe won the design competition. His Irish hare appears on the threepence, while the other side features his adaptation of the historic Brian Ború Harp, the date 1928 and the words “Saorstát Éireann.”

Ireland’s first national coin series consisted of eight denominations and was issued on 12 December 1928. The original 1928 threepence measures approximately 17.6 mm and weighs approximately 3.24 grams. These details are supported by the Central Bank of Ireland and NGC coin specifications.

A distinctive Irish heritage gift

These 1928 coin cufflinks make a thoughtful Irish heritage gift for a father, grandfather, husband, partner, friend or collector.

If you are shopping for that person who has everything – Buy them a piece of History which they can wear on special occasions. They are genuine coins and a piece of our History.

They are particularly suitable for someone who:

  • Has a strong interest in Irish history
  • Has Irish family or heritage
  • Collects coins or historical objects
  • Appreciates unusual, authentic gifts
  • Wears cufflinks for weddings or formal occasions

The cufflinks are supplied in a silver-coloured presentation box and arrive ready to give.

Product detail Information
Year 1928
Historical significance First year of Irish Free State coinage
Coin Genuine Irish threepence coins
Coin design Irish hare and Irish harp
Inscription Saorstát Éireann
Designer Percy Metcalfe
Are you Human Yes
Coin diameter Approximately 17.6 mm
Coin weight Approximately 3.24 g
Made in Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland
Packaging Silver-coloured presentation box
Personalisation No engraving or personalisation
Dispatch Normally within 24 hours
Ireland delivery Approximately 2–3 business days after dispatch
Returns 30 days
Current price €124

Are these genuine 1928 Irish coins?

Yes. These cufflinks are made using genuine Irish threepence coins dated 1928, rather than reproductions.

Why is 1928 important in Irish coin history?

Ireland’s first national coin series was issued in December 1928. These threepence coins therefore come from the first year of Irish Free State coinage.

What does “Saorstát Éireann” mean?

“Saorstát Éireann” means “Irish Free State.” The wording appeared on Irish coins issued from 1928 until 1939, when it was replaced by “Éire.”

What animal appears on the coin?

The coin features an Irish hare designed by Percy Metcalfe. The other side displays the Irish harp, the “Saorstát Éireann” inscription and the year 1928.

Are the cufflinks handmade in Ireland?

Yes. Each pair is handmade in Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland.

Is a presentation box included?

Yes. A silver-coloured presentation box is included in the price, so the cufflinks arrive ready to give.

Can the cufflinks be engraved or personalised?

No. We do not engrave or personalise the cufflinks. Their significance comes from the genuine date and historic inscription on the original coins.

How quickly will my order be dispatched?

Orders are normally dispatched within 24 hours. Delivery within Ireland generally takes approximately two to three business days after dispatch. Delivery times are estimates and may be longer during busy periods.

Can I return the cufflinks?

Yes. The cufflinks can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our returns policy.

INFORMATION AND EVENTS FROM 1928

  • Ireland’s first national coin series was issued on 12 December.
  • W. B. Yeats chaired the committee responsible for selecting the new Irish coin designs.
  • The Olympic Games were held in Amsterdam.
  • Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin.
  • Amelia Earhart became the first woman to cross the Atlantic by air, travelling as a passenger.
  • Walt Disney’s Steamboat Willie, featuring Mickey Mouse, premiered.
  • D. H. Lawrence’s novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover was privately published in Italy.
  • The first Oxford English Dictionary was completed.
  • Galway won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
  • Cork won the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship

1928

BORN THAT YEAR WERE:

Andy Warhol (Actor)
Quincy Jones (Actor)
Grace Kelly (Actress)
Shirley Temple (Actress)