The imaginary scene is based on a poem by W B Yeats. The young man is tossing a coin to ask it if he is old enough for love. Yeats was involved in the introduction of the beautiful coinage of the new Irish Free State in 1922, a series which remained in use until the adoption of the new European currency.

I whispered, 'I am too young,'

And then, 'I am old enough';

Wherefore I threw a penny

To find out if I might love.

'Go and love, go and love, young man,

If the lady be young and fair.'

Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny,

I am looped in the loops of her hair.

W B Yeats

Available for purchase from Fergus Ryan (see Originals)