Ireland 6-PENCE (KM5)

All sources identify this dog as an Irish Wolfhound, which makes sense since this breed in Ireland dates back to the Celts in the 1st century BCE. However, the fellow who posed for this coin must have been shaved, since Irish Wolfhounds have long hair.

The Irish Wolfhound was originally bred as a dog of war, and to hunt wolves which are now extinct in Ireland. During conflicts with England, the Wolfhound could remove a knight from his horse. They amazed and frightened the Romans and stories exist that say the original Wolfhounds could match a lion in the Roman arena.

This is the original 6d coin (aka "one reul") minted between 1928 and 1935 during the "Irish Free State" period.