A NEW €2 coin commemorating the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic has been unveiled.
The Central Bank in Ireland is releasing 4.5 million coins into general circulation today; the first time the country has used the coin to mark an event in Irish history.
The coin shows the statue of Hibernia (described as "the historic personification of Ireland") on top of the General Post Office (GPO) on Dublin's O'Connell Street and the centenary dates.
It also features the name ‘Hibernia’, with the lettering influenced by the Book of Kells.
The design by Emmet Mullins was chosen from 52 Irish and international designers for the project.
Paul Molumby, Director of Currency and Facilities Management at the Bank said that the commemorative coin was a significant achievement for the bank, and that members of the public would see the coins in circulation very soon.
“We are working with the banks, An Post, and the cash in transit companies to get the coin into circulation as soon as possible,” he said. “Members of the public can expect to see the coins in the coming weeks as they come into general circulation.”
Other products for sale marking the 1916 centenary include bookmarks, booklets and coin sets.
Later in the year, gold and silver commemorative proof coins, designed by Michael Guilfoyle , will also be available to buy.
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