283, Lot: 528. Estimate $750. Sold for $950. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

IRELAND, Saorstát Éireann (Irish Free State). 1928-pres. Proof Set. London mint. Dated 1928. Includes: AR Leaṫ Ċoróin (Half Crown). Harp / Horse standing left // AR Flóirín (Florin). Harp / Salmon swimming right // AR Scilling (Shilling). Harp / Bull butting right // NI Reul (Sixpence). Harp / Irish wolfhound standing left // NI Leaṫ Reul (Threepence). Harp / Hare crouched left // CU Pingin (Penny). Harp / Chicken standing left, with four chicks at feet // CU Leaṫ Ṗingin (Halfpenny). Harp / Sow standing left, with five piglets at feet // CU Feoirling (Farthing). Harp / Woodcock flying left. SCBC 6625-32. Proof, the silver and copper toned. In the original green case of issue.

The Irish Free State was established in 1926, formally ending centuries of British rule. The new nation, desiring a coinage distinct from that of their previous leaders, soon formed a committee with the aim of selecting new and uniquely Irish coin designs. With the poet W.B. Yeats as the chair, committee members reviewed submissions from Irish, English, and continental artists. Eventually, in an attempt to avoid inflammatory political or religious messages, the group decided on an agricultural theme, highlighting the natural bounty of Ireland.