1998 Irish 20 Pence Coin: It Doesn't Exist
No such coin exists. Ireland never minted a 1998 "Eire 20 Pence" coin. Here's why:
The Facts
- Currency: Ireland used Irish Pound (IEP) until euro adoption (1999/2002)
- 20p Coin: Introduced 1986 (12-sided, nickel-brass, 5.0g, 21.4mm)
- 1998 Mintage: **Zero** – no 20p coins struck for circulation in 1998
- Euro Transition: 1999 (accounting) / 2002 (cash) – Irish coins demonetized 2002
Irish 20p Mintage by Year (Circulation)
| Year | Mintage | Notes |
|---|
| 1986 | 42,000,000 | Introduction |
| 1987 | 12,000,000 |
| 1988 | 8,000,000 |
| 1989 | 6,000,000 |
| 1990 | 4,000,000 |
| 1991 | 2,000,000 |
| 1992 | 0 | No circulation strike |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 | No circulation strike |
| 1999 | 0 | Euro prep |
| 2000 | Proof only (sets) | Final year |
What You Might Have
- 1998 UK 20p: Common, seven-sided, cupro-nickel – worth face value (20p)
- 1998 Irish Proof Set: Contains 20p (proof finish) – ~€15–25 set value
- 1986–1991 Irish 20p: Circulated – worth face value unless uncirculated/proof
- Euro 20 cent (2002+): Irish design (harp) – circulating
Value Assessment
- Circulated Irish 20p (any year): €0.20 / £0.17 (demonetized, but exchangeable at Central Bank of Ireland indefinitely)
- Uncirculated/Proof: €2–10 depending on year/condition
- 1998 specifically: Only exists in 2000 Proof Set (last year)
Check the obverse: Irish harp + "ÉIRE" + year = Irish. Britannia + "TWENTY PENCE" = UK. They're easily confused.
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