Central Bank of Ireland launches U2 commemorative coin, marking 50 years since the band formed

Central Bank of Ireland has today (Friday 25 September) launched a new €2 commemorative coin to celebrate U2, one of the world’s greatest bands, marking 50 years since their formation in 1976.

The coin features an image of the four band members Adam Clayton, Bono, The Edge, and Larry Mullen Jr. It was designed by Shaughn McGrath.

It was officially launched today by Vasileios Madouros (Deputy Governor, Monetary and Financial Stability) during an event held in the Little Museum of Dublin, with Larry Mullen Jr. in attendance on behalf of the band.

U2 was formed in 1976 when Larry Mullen Jr. posted a handwritten note reading “Drummer Seeks Musicians To Form Band” on the notice board at Mount Temple Comprehensive School. What subsequently began in a kitchen on the North Side of Dublin evolved into one of the most influential bands in history.

Over five decades, U2 has captivated generations of music lovers. The band has toured the globe countless times, released 15 studio albums, sold over 175 million records worldwide, and won numerous awards, including 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band, and Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award.

Deputy Governor Madouros said: "It is a privilege for the Central Bank of Ireland to honour U2 with a €2 commemorative coin. Commemorative coins tell the stories of the people and moments that have shaped our nation and inspired the world. U2 represents the very best of Irish creativity and talent on the global stage. For 50 years, their music has inspired millions of people around the world. This commemorative coin is a fitting tribute to their legacy and profound impact on popular culture and beyond.”

“Four heads on a coin… Ready to be bought, sold, held, lost, traded, stolen, loved, missed, and gambled… win or lose… Grateful to be put on a train track and flattened… but not to crack. To be spent in a sweet shop on liquorice allsorts, gobstoppers, acid drops, and fizz bombs… Tayto and 99s... Four heads and a silver harp… not a bad metaphor for this Irish band. But the coin can be spent anywhere in Europe… we like that too. The coin is still spinning in the air… it hasn't landed yet.

And we hope that whatever way you call it, you win.” – Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.

The coin will go on sale today (Friday 25 September 2026) at 12pm from collectorcoins.ie. It will be available to fans and collectors in two formats.

• 150,000 brilliant uncirculated €2 coin cards and will retail at €14.95
• 5,000 silver proof €2 coin booklets and will retail at €39.95.
  

ENDS

Further Information

Martin Grant / +353 86 078 7868 / martin.grant@centralbank.ie

Media Relations: media@centralbank.ie

Notes to editors

Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) quality

BU coins are the first coins to be struck with a new die, which makes a polished appearance compared to coins in circulation. These coins are not actually struck for circulation, but are intended for collectors and enthusiasts of attractive coins.

Proof quality

Proof is the highest quality grade of coins. Various techniques are applied to these coins to enhance their quality and appearance. These include polished coin blanks and dies, creating a striking contrast between the relief and the background. The background is a flawless mirror finish, the raised relief is frosted (matt).  Proof coins are therefore struck one by one, packaged in capsules and handled only with gloves. Each Proof coin is packaged in a capsule for protection, to prevent damage.

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.