The Central Bank is releasing 4.5 million commemorative €2 coins into general circulation from January 20th to mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. These coins will also be available in a number of collectable products for sale, including
- €2 Uncirculated Coin Card
- €2 Uncirculated Coin Bookmark
- 2016 Annual Mint Set containing the 9 2016 dated coins and a commemorative booklet
- 2016 €2 Proof Quality Cased Coin
- 2016 Proof Quality 9 Coin Set
This will be the first time that Ireland has issued its own commemorative €2 coin into circulation. The design for this coin, by Emmet Mullins, was chosen following a competition that saw 52 Irish and international designers submit proposals based on the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. The coin features a representation of the statue of Hibernia (the historic personification of Ireland) on top of the GPO, the centenary dates and the name ‘Hibernia’ in hand-rendered lettering influenced by the Book of Kells.
Paul Molumby, Director of Currency and Facilities Management at the Bank said: “It’s a significant achievement for us to mint and issue our own circulating commemorative coin. The design reflects back to the GPO and its association with the Easter Rising and the reading of the Proclamation. We are working with the banks, An Post, and the cash in transit companies to get the coin into circulation as soon as possible. Members of the public can expect to see the coins in the coming weeks as they come into general circulation.”