Since 2002, Ireland has been a key participant in the Eurozone, adopting the euro as its official currency. This transition not only integrated Ireland deeper into the European economic system but also gave the nation an opportunity to showcase its unique cultural identity on the euro coins. As an agent of the Minister for Finance, the Central Bank of Ireland plays a crucial role in the production and issuance of these euro coins, with all seigniorage revenues returning to the Irish Exchequer.
Currently, the Eurozone comprises 19 member states, each contributing to the vast circulation of euro coins. What makes these coins fascinating is their dual identity: a common side shared by all Eurozone countries and a national side that is distinct to each member state. The euro coin series itself is made up of eight denominations, ranging from €2 down to 1 cent, each carefully designed and minted.
The Common Face of the Euro
Designed by Luc Luycx from the Royal Belgian Mint, the common side of the euro coins presents a unifying image of Europe. You can even find his initials subtly placed on this side. Most denominations display a geographical representation of Europe, while the 1c, 2c, and 5c coins broaden the view to include Europe’s position relative to Africa and Asia.
The common design underwent a revision in 2007 to reflect the expansion of the European Union, incorporating the 10 new accession countries. It’s important to note that while the design was updated, not all represented countries were yet Eurozone members, highlighting the broader European context of the currency.
| Denomination: €2 Diameter: 25.75 mm Thickness: 2.20 mm Weight: 8.50 g Composition: Cu Zn Ni | Denomination: €1 Diameter: 23.25 mm Thickness: 2.33 mm Weight: 7.50 g Composition: Cu Zn Ni | Denomination: 50c Diameter: 24.25 mm Thickness: 2.38 mm Weight: 7.80 g Composition: Nordic Gold | Denomination: 20c Diameter: 22.25 mm Thickness: 2.14 mm Weight: 5.74 g Composition: Nordic Gold |
| Denomination: 10c Diameter: 19.75 mm Thickness: 1.93 mm Weight: 4.10 g Composition: Nordic Gold | Denomination: 5c Diameter: 21.25 mm Thickness: 1.67 mm Weight: 3.92 g Composition: Copper-covered steel | Denomination: 2c Diameter: 18.75 mm Thickness: 1.67 mm Weight: 3.06 g Composition: Copper-covered steel | Denomination: 1c Diameter: 16.25 mm Thickness: 1.67 mm Weight: 2.30 g Composition: Copper-covered steel |
The Irish National Side: A Symbol of Heritage
For the national side of its euro coins, Ireland chose to maintain the iconic design that was previously featured on the Irish Pound (IR£) coins. This decision reflects a desire to retain a familiar and cherished national symbol in the new currency. Irish euro coins are distinguished by the Celtic harp, a long-standing emblem of Ireland, which is beautifully rendered along with the year of issue and the inscription “Éire,” the Irish word for Ireland. The specific harp design was created by Jarlath Hayes, adding a touch of artistic distinction to the coinage.
Interestingly, the edge-lettering found on the Irish €2 coin is the same as that originally used in the French design. This edge-lettering has also been adopted by other Eurozone nations, including Belgium, Luxembourg, and Spain, showcasing a subtle element of shared design within the euro system.
| €2 Irish National Side | €1 Irish National Side | 50c Irish National Side | 20c Irish National Side |
| 10c Irish National Side | 5c Irish National Side | 2c Irish National Side | 1c Irish National Side |
Irish Commemorative €2 Coins: Celebrating Milestones
Beyond the standard circulation coins, Eurozone countries have the opportunity to issue up to two commemorative €2 coins each year. These special coins are used to mark significant historical events, honor important national figures, or celebrate national treasures. Despite their unique designs, commemorative coins hold the same legal tender status and share the same features and properties as regular €2 coins.
The design and issuance of these commemorative coins are the responsibility of the individual member states, while the European Central Bank (ECB) provides approval regarding the volume of coins each country can issue.
Ireland has actively participated in issuing joint commemorative €2 coins with other Eurosystem countries to mark key anniversaries within the European Union. These include the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome (2007), the 10th anniversary of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) (2009), the 10th anniversary of Euro banknotes and coins (2012), and the 30th anniversary of the EU flag (2015).
| 2007: 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome | 2009: 10 Years of the European Monetary Union | 2012: 10 years of euro coin and banknotes | 2015: 30 Years of the EU flag |
In 2016, Ireland took a significant step by issuing its first national commemorative €2 coin. Designed by Emmet Mullins, this coin proudly depicts the statue of Hibernia atop the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin. This national commemorative coin was released to commemorate the centenary of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic in 1916, a pivotal moment in Irish history.
| 2016: 100th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic |
Ireland’s journey with the euro is not just an economic integration story, but also a cultural one. Through its national designs and commemorative coins, Ireland has successfully blended its unique heritage with its place in the European Union, creating euro coins that are both currency and a symbol of national identity.
