If you’re a silver stacker or a fan of Irish history, you’ve probably held a “Salmon” coin in your hand. Known officially as the Florin (or two shillings), these coins are a staple of Irish numismatics. But while most of them are worth their weight in silver, there is one specific year that could be worth more than a decent used car: 1943.
I’ve been looking through some Irish Florins lately, and it’s a great reminder that not all silver is created equal. From 1928 to 1943, these coins were minted with 75% silver. Most of what you’ll find in the wild is heavily circulated, but if you happen to spot “1943” on the reverse, you need to sit up and take notice.
The Mystery of the 1943 “Missing” Bags
All of Ireland’s coins at the time were struck at the Royal Mint in London. In 1943, as World War II raged on, the price of silver skyrocketed. It got to the point where the silver inside the coin was worth more than the two-shilling face value of the coin itself.
The Central Bank of Ireland saw the bill from the Royal Mint and basically said, “Keep them. It’s too expensive.” They ordered the 1943 quota to be melted down.
However, as the story goes, a few bags—possibly just one or two—escaped the furnace. Some say only about 35 to 50 pieces are known to exist today. These coins went into circulation, and nobody really realised they were “rarities” until collectors flagged them in 1968.
What to Look for: Grading Your Florin
When you’re looking at a Salmon coin, you want to check the high points for wear. Even if a coin has “chatter” (small marks and scratches) in the field, the detail on the animal itself tells the story:
- The Fins and Tail: Look for the fine lines in the salmon’s tail and the small fins at the top. If those lines are sharp, you’re looking at a high-grade coin.
- The Face: Is the salmon’s eye and mouth still clear, or is it worn flat?
- The Harp Strings: Flip it over. On the obverse, check the strings of the harp. In a well-preserved coin, these should be distinct and not merged together.
If you have a 1943 Florin in About Uncirculated (AU) or Mint State (MS) condition, you are looking at a serious payday. At auction, these have been known to fetch anywhere from €8,000 to €15,000. This coin is so rare its very difficult to put a solid evaluation on it, In the right auction it could really grow legs.
The 1943 Half Crown: The Big Brother
It wasn’t just the Florins. The 1943 Half Crown (the one with the horse) also suffered the same fate. It’s still a “key date” and very rare, but there are slightly more of them around than the Florin. You might see an uncirculated 1943 Half Crown go for around €1,000 to €1,800, and in Mint State (MS) €3000 and up In my option which is still nothing to sneeze at!
Quick Facts for Your Stack
| Feature | 1928–1943 Florin |
| Composition | 75% Silver, 25% Copper |
| Weight | 11.3 grams |
| Design | Salmon (Reverse), Harp (Obverse) |
| Key Date | 1943 (Extremely Rare) |
| Silver Value | Approx. €8 – €12 (Standard dates) |
Final Thoughts
Most of the silver Florins you’ll find are “junk silver”—great for a stack, but not “rare.” But that’s the fun of the hunt. Always check your dates. You never know when a bag that was supposed to be melted down in London 80 years ago ended up in a jar in Dublin.
Are you a coin grader? I’d love to hear your thoughts on what you think a “circulated” 1943 should realistically pull at auction today. Drop a comment below and let’s chat.