PUNT
The “punt” (also “Irish pound”) was the currency of Ireland until the euro went into circulation in 2002.
Before the introduction of the euro, the currency used in Ireland was the Irish pound (Punt in Irish). The Irish pound was divided into 100 smaller units called pence. There were various coins in circulation, and one notable pre-euro Irish coin was the Irish pound coin featuring the Irish Red Deer.
The Irish pound coins were issued in different denominations, and the design featuring the Irish Red Deer appeared on the one-pound coin. The obverse side of the coin typically featured a harp, the national symbol of Ireland, along with the word “Éire” (Irish for Ireland). The reverse side displayed an image of a Red Deer, an iconic symbol of Irish wildlife, along with the denomination “£1.”
The Irish pound was replaced by the euro on January 1, 2002, when Ireland adopted the common European currency. The euro coins and banknotes became the official currency, and the Irish pound ceased to be legal tender.
