 The first twelve stamps , the low values up to 1 shilling , were issued during 1922 – 1923 , while the three high values , 2 / 6 , 5 / - and 10 / - , did not appear until 8 September 1937 . Designs included : Sword of Light , Map of Ireland , Celtic Cross , Arms of the Four Provinces and St. Patrick . Watermark and extra values were made until new designs , known as the Gerl definitives , using early Irish art motifs , were produced in 1968 . These were the first new designs in 31 years for the high values and 46 years for the low values . The Gerl series was denominated initially in pre @-@ decimal Irish pounds and later in decimal currency ( both watermarked issues ) . It latterly appeared as unwatermarked stamps . 
