Central Bank launches €2 commemorative coin to mark Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Central Bank of Ireland has today (Monday 6 July) launched a new €2 commemorative coin to mark the beginning of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The coin was officially launched by Governor Gabriel Makhlouf and Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris at a ceremony at the Central Bank today.

The Central Bank will mint 500,000 of the special €2 coin and it will be issued into general circulation from tomorrow (Tuesday 7 July). People all over Ireland, and indeed Europe, will find the coin in their hands and pockets in the coming weeks.

The coin will also be included in a proof set that will go on sale from collectorcoins.ie in mid-July.

The coin design features the official Presidency logo, symbolising growth, dynamism and movement. Each individual arm of the spiral features 27 discs to symbolise the 27 Member States of the EU, with the resulting white space at the centre forming a 5-point star, a symbol from the EU flag.

Governor Gabriel Makhlouf said: "The Central Bank is delighted to issue this commemorative coin to mark Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is a significant moment for Ireland as we take on the privilege and responsibility of hosting the Presidency during a pivotal time for Europe. The coin's design really captures the spirit of European cooperation and will be a symbol of Ireland’s Presidency. I encourage everyone to keep an eye out for this special coin as over 500,000 of them enter general circulation from tomorrow.”

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD said: “As we take up the EU Presidency for the eighth time, this commemorative coin marks a milestone of national pride, recognising the role Ireland plays in advancing European cooperation, progress and partnership. It is fitting that this coin symbolises the contribution our country has made and will continue to make to Europe’s shared prosperity.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD said: “I welcome the launch of this commemorative coin in honour of Ireland’s eighth term holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Over the next six months, we will lead the work of the Council and drive forward an ambitious agenda which delivers for citizens, businesses and communities across Europe. Our theme, 'Ní neart go cur le chéile'— strength through unity —is our roadmap.”

ENDS

Further Information

Martin Grant / 086 078 7868 / martin.grant@centralbank.ie

Media Relations: media@centralbank.ie

Notes to editors

Every year the Central Bank issues a number of collector coin products, on behalf of the Minister for Finance. The Collector Coin Advisory Group advises the Bank in relation to coin themes. The Central Bank invites public submissions in relation to themes.

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.