The Irish penny (also known as the Hen & Chicks Penny, the ‘good luck’ penny and the pre decimal penny) is a rare coin. It was minted only 16 times between 1928 and 1968. It is no longer in circulation and therefore, it will most likely continue to increase in value over time.
At the same time, the Irish penny is a memorable keepsake, particularly for anyone with even a little bit of Irish ancestry or interest. And like with most things Irish, there is a story...
In times past when cash money was scarce in rural Ireland, a penny was used to ‘seal the deal’ among customary traders - farmers, tinkers and travelers.
When a bargain was reached, the seller would deliver the goods or services agreed to and also give the buyer a penny to wish the buyer the best of luck with the purchase.
And so, the Hen Penny also became known as the ‘good luck’ penny and part of a very nice Irish gift tradition.
The pre-decimal penny is an attractive bronze coin, slightly larger than the US half-dollar. After decades in circulation, all our pennies have the expected amount of scrapes, scratches and weather marks but none are bent or badly dinged. No coin we sell has been cut, pierced, drilled, machined or altered in any way that might effect its current or future value.
Each coin has been (gently) hand cleaned and (lightly) hand polished. As a result, each coin has an ‘aged’ luster which nicely highlights the original 1928 Percy Metcalfe (Hen & Chicks) design on the reverse side of the coin and the iconic Celtic harp on the observe side.
There are two purchase options:
PURCHASE OPTION ONE: We believe in the Irish 'thank you' tradition. And so, if you choose the 'Coin Alone' option, we will send along a second 'thank you' penny with your purchase. Your bonus penny may be from a different issue year and may have a few more nicks, scrapes and weather marks but it's FREE. So, God bless.
PURCHASE OPTION TWO: If you are planning to give your penny as a gift, you can choose the 'Coin & Pouch & Box' option and we will deliver your penny (AND YOUR BONUS PENNY) with a beautiful little (2" X 2 1/2") velvet draw-string coin pouch and an elegant little (3 1/2" X 3 1/2" X 1") gift box. (See sample photo.)
The little pouch is deep green velvet – not velour or velveteen. Each pouch is large enough for a coin and perhaps some other personal keepsake. Truth be, our little velvet pouch is a memorable keepsake itself.
The ‘white swirl’ gift box has a 'soft' fiber bed and is large enough for the velvet pouch with half penny and a personal note or card.
(See PACKAGING OPTIONS for pricing.)
As a desk ornament, golf ball marker, necklace pendant, key chain fob, wrist bracelet charm or just as an every day lucky pocket piece, the Hen Penny is authentic and unique. As said, it is a memorable keepsake, particularly for anyone with even a little bit of Irish ancestry or interest.
And just so you know, with every purchase we also send along an everlasting bit of Irish Good Luck... which certainly can't hurt in these days and times.
Slainte.