Luke Kelly Silver Proof Coin launched by President Michael D. Higgins

• €15 Silver Proof coin is the final coin in the “Modern Musician” series of silver proof coins, which also featured coins dedicated to Rory Gallagher and Phil Lynott.
• The coin was officially launched by President Michael D. Higgins at St. Laurence O’Toole National School in Dublin 1, the former school of Luke Kelly.
• The coin is limited to 3,000 pieces and will retail at €64.99.

The Central Bank of Ireland has today (24 October 2022) launched a silver commemorative coin for the late Luke Kelly. The coin was officially launched by President Michael D. Higgins at Luke Kelly’s former school, St. Laurence O’Toole National School in Dublin 1. Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe also attended the launch. It is available to purchase from www.collectorcoins.ie/lukekelly from 2pm today and retails at €64.99. The issue is limited to 3,000 coins with a limit of one coin per transaction.

The coin is struck in .925 sterling silver to proof quality. It is the final coin in the “Modern Musicians” series of silver proof coins, which has previously featured Rory Gallagher and Phil Lynott and proven extremely popular. 

The coin features an image of Luke Kelly singing, in tribute to his distinctive voice, together with an impression of a banjo. The design by Mary Gregoriy was selected following a design competition. Ms. Gregoriy has previously designed commemorative coins featuring James Joyce (2013) and W.B. Yeats (2015) for the Central Bank. 

Central Bank Acting Deputy Governor Mark Cassidy said: 

“We are delighted to issue this coin to commemorate the late and much-loved Luke Kelly. It is especially fitting to be at his former school, St. Laurence O’Toole National School, for this launch and we are immensely grateful to the staff and pupils for welcoming us today for this special occasion. 

“Luke’s impact on and musical contributions to Irish culture were seminal and he continues to be held in warm regard by generations of people in Ireland. This coin celebrates his legacy and provides a fitting tribute to his memory.”

Notes to Editor

Proof coins are collectable coins and are not intended for general circulation. They are minted using specially polished dies and blanks that give them a mirror-like finish. These coins are struck at least twice during the minting process. They are individually handled and protectively stored in order to prevent tarnishing. This is in comparison to general circulating coins, which are struck once during the minting process and are handled in bulk. The defined, intricate and shiny appearance of proof coins gives them their collectable quality.

The Luke Kelly collector coin was originally scheduled to go on sale in 2020, but was unfortunately delayed due to disruptions arising from the impact of Covid-19 and operational challenges.