The half crown was commonly called "two and six" due to its value of two shillings and sixpence (indicated on the coin itself as '2s 6d').

The silver coins were quite distinguishable as they had a whiter appearance than the later cupronickel variety minted from 1951.

The coin measured 1.275 inches (32.4 mm) in diameter and weighed 14.1 grams.

The reverse design of the coin, by Percy Metcalfe featured an Irish Hunter, a breed of horse.

[1] The last half crowns were produced in 1967 and the coin was withdrawn from circulation on 1 January 1970.