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Éire
IRELAND 2009 MINT SET
Issued to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Gaelic Athletics Association, the largest sporting organisation in Ireland, this tribute set of 8 circulating Irish euro coins in brilliant uncirculated condition is a must-have for any mint set collector and sporting enthusiast. Presented in a full-colour gatefold coin folder featuring images and information on the association, its founders and home ground of Croke Park stadium, this 2009 mint set of coins from Ireland is sure to be snapped up fast!
Ireland 2009 Mint Set
Ireland
The Government of Ireland decided on a single national design for all Irish coin denominations. They show the Celtic harp, a traditional symbol of Ireland, decorated with the year of issue and the inscription “Éire” − the Irish word for Ireland. The harp shown was designed by Jarlath Hayes.
€2
Edge lettering of the €2 coin: 2**, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.
Ireland joined the eurozone in 2002, however they did not mint any collectors' coins until 2003. Ireland has kept their issues to the very minimum with one or two coins per year. The records was reached in 2007, when only three coins where issued.
The vast majority of the Irish coins are made of silver, only since 2006 Irish euro collectors' coins have been seen in gold. In 2003, a very special coin was issued, the only one with a face value of €5 minted so far, and the only one made of two colors (not to be confused with bimetal coins), using alloys of other materials. This coins was issued commemorating the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games hosted in Ireland; it was the biggest mint ever with 60,000 coins released.
In general, Ireland mint coins with very low face value, but because of the rarity of their gold coins, they are quoted in the market at very high values
2008 €10 Silver Proof Coin
The Central Bank is pleased to announce the issue of our first collector coins for 2008. These coins will be released to the market for sale on 23 April 2008.
This €10 Silver Proof Coin has been struck to celebrate the magnificent UNESCO Heritage Site of Skellig Michael, based 15 Kilometres off the west coast of County Kerry. This steep rocky island was an important centre of monastic life for Irish Christian monks for 600 years. Michael Guilfoyle, the designer of this coin series has chosen to represent the physical and spiritual aspects of the island in this design. At the centre of the coin is the island itself, with a flock of birds soaring from the summit towards the stars in reference to the patron saint of Skellig, Saint Michael, the Christian saint who carried the souls of the worthy to Heaven.
The Irish name for the Island i.e. ”Sceilig Mhichíl” is featured on both this silver proof coin and the corresponding gold proof coin.
The issue limit for this silver coin is only 25,000 pieces. The diameter of the coin is 38.61 mm and the coins each weigh 28.28 grammes. The alloy used in the production of this coin is .925 Sterling Silver. 5,000 pieces of this €10 Silver Proof Coin will accompany the €20 gold coin in the double box proof set.
Ireland issued a 2 euro commemorative coin in 2007.
A book on a generic design with 12 stars in the outer ring.
Obverse inscription
'CONRADH NA RÓIMHE 50 BLIAIN' - Treaty of Rome 50 Years.
'AN EORAIP' - Europe.
'ÉIRE 2007' - Ireland 2007.
Metallic composition
Bimetallic - Nordic gold centre and cupro-nickel outer ring.
Edge
Milled edge with an alternating pattern of '2's and stars incuse.
Type of coin
Currency coin and commemorative coin.
Mint
Irish Mint, Dublin, Ireland.
The obverse inscription is in the Irish-Gaelic language.
This coin was issued by the Republic of Ireland during the term of Mary McAleese, President of Ireland (1997 onwards).
2008 €20 Gold Proof Coin
The second of our collector coins for 2008 is a gold proof €20 coin. This beautiful small gold coin is struck in .999 fine gold, with a diameter of only 13.92 mm and a weight of 1.244 grammes. Only 15,000 pieces of this coin have been minted for issue by the Central Bank & Financial Services Authority of Ireland.
This coin complements the €10 Silver Proof Coin for 2008 and celebrates Irish Cultural Heritage. This is the theme for the Europa Coin Programme during 2008 and this is the third year in which the Central Bank & Financial Services Authority of Ireland has participated in this very popular coin programme, which runs throughout Europe. This coin also participates in the “Smallest Gold Coins in the World” programme.
5,000 pieces of this €20 Gold Proof Coin will be included in the double box proof set.
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