Central Bank of Ireland launches silver proof commemorative coin celebrating the late author Maeve Binchy

Central Bank of Ireland today launched a €15 silver proof commemorative coin celebrating the literary legacy of beloved Irish author Maeve Binchy. The coin honours Maeve Binchy's contribution to literature and her enduring impact on readers worldwide.

The coin will go on sale today (Friday 2 October 2026) at 12pm on collectorcoins.ie. There are just 3,000 coins available, and they will retail at €129.95.

Best known for novels including Circle of Friends, Tara Road, and Light a Penny Candle, Maeve’s warmth, wit, and keen observation of life made her one of Ireland's most cherished storytellers. Many of Maeve’s novels went on to be adapted for the stage and screen.

Designed by Antonella Napolione, the coin features a portrait of Maeve Binchy and an open book resting under the nib of a fountain pen, a symbol of her writing. Maeve’s signature, found on many of the front covers of books she has written, is also included on the coin. Around the edge is the inscription ‘MAEVE BINCHY 1940-2012’. On the left-hand side is the value of 15 EURO. The harp, year 2026 and Éire is on the opposite side of the coin.

Governor Gabriel Makhlouf presented the coin to the Binchy family during a launch today at the Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre. The launch also remembered Maeve’s husband, author Gordon Shell, who died peacefully in April. The couple wrote together in their home in Dalkey.

Governor Gabriel Makhlouf said: “Maeve Binchy was one of the most beloved writers this country has ever produced. Her impressive power of storytelling touched readers not only in Ireland, but also millions of readers worldwide. Over an immensely successful career spanning 17 novels, three plays, numerous collections of short stories, and extensive journalism, Maeve captured the essence of Irish society. The Central Bank is proud to celebrate Maeve’s remarkable literary legacy with this commemorative coin. We hope this coin serves as a tribute to an extraordinary Irish voice whose work continues to bring comfort and connection to readers everywhere."

Born in Dalkey, Co Dublin, Maeve studied History at University College Dublin and taught in various girls’ schools while developing her writing. In 1968 she joined the Irish Times. Following a stint in London in the 1970s, writing columns from all over the world, she returned to Ireland with her husband Gordon in the early 1980’s and her debut novel Light a Penny Candle was published in 1982.

Maeve Binchy sold more than 43 million copies of her books in 37 languages, and new translations continue to be produced since her death in 2012.

Dalkey Castle hosts the ECHOES Maeve Binchy Literary Festival on the first weekend in October annually. ECHOES runs from Friday 2^nd  to Sunday 4^th October 2026. Details on echoes.ie

Pictures

Pictures of the coin attached. Robbie Reynolds Photography.

Further information

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

ENDS

Notes to the 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.

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.