Madra | Dog – Old Irish Coin Necklace

Handcrafted Old Irish Coin Necklaces

If you would like a particular coin and year, please let me know by emailing or messaging on Instagram @cliffdogart!

History of Madra | Dog

The sixpence coin in Ireland designed by Percy Metcalfe represents an Irish WolfHound. The animals on our old coinage were split between agricultural and hunting animals. Some sources say the dog on this coin represents Master McGrath, a famous greyhound from Waterford. But in official documentation there was a debate on which dog to use, with one member arguing in favour of a greyhound “on the ground that on the only occasion known to him when hare and wolfhound met the wolfhound ran away” – He was outvoted.

On Old Irish Coinage

Each necklace features an authentic pre-decimal Irish coin, preserved to showcase their intricate design and rich symbolism. Our old coinage, was originally minted between 1928 and 2001 and reflect Ireland’s cultural roots, with designs inspired by Celtic art and rural life, each including the iconic Brian Borus harp (Cláirseach Brian Bóramha)

Each is handmade from a durable stainless steel chain, these necklaces are designed for everyday wear for men and women, for modern touch to a piece of history. The hypoallergenic chain for comfort and each chain is chosen to match the style and colouring of the coins!

Each coin hold a story— pocket change given to a child, used to buy a pint, or flipped in a game of luck. Who knows the places these coins have gone. By transforming them into wearable art, I hope to preserve their legacy and keep their journey alive.

I make these necklaces for lovers of Irish culture and history enthusiasts, giving new life to coins that once played their little role in everyday Irish life. While some might view turning these coins into jewelry as defacement, the Irish Central Bank now collects these coins solely to melt them down for their metal.

As they are no longer used as currency and exist only as collector’s items, Iwanted to redefine their purpose. These coins, rich with history, can serve as an everlasting way to carry a piece of Ireland’s past with us.

• Materials: Authentic Irish coin, with stainless steel chain (hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant).
• Chain Length: Each chain is 45-50cm long
• Coin Designs: Coins are available for each animal, decimal and predecimal are available