1975 Ireland Éire 1/2 Pingin coin pendant Book of Kells illuminated manuscript Gospel Book of Columba Irish bird Celtic harp Cláirseach Gaelic Dublin Cork Limerick Galway Waterford Icovellavna n000062 - coinedjewelry

• Ireland 1/2 Pingin {1971-1986} 67S 1bs78 front: decorative initial "O" resembling a bird, out of the "Book of Kells" The Book of Kells (sometimes known as the Book of Columba) is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. It was created in a Columban monastery in either Britain or Ireland and may have had contributions from various Columban institutions from both Britain and Ireland. It is believed to have been created c. 800 AD. The text of the Gospels is largely drawn from the Vulgate, although it also includes several passages drawn from the earlier versions of the Bible known as the Vetus Latina. It is a masterwork of Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of Insular illumination. It is also widely regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure. back: Irish harp demonetized (no longer in circulation) polished Bronze coin diameter: 17.22 mm {SMALL COIN, SIZE OF A USA 10 CENT DIME COIN} weight: 1.78 g