The Central Bank of Ireland has launched a new €2 commemorative coin celebrating U2 and marking 50 years since the iconic Irish band was formed.
The coin, which was officially unveiled on Friday, 25 September, features an image of U2’s four members – Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. It was designed by Irish artist Shaughn McGrath.
The launch took place at the Little Museum of Dublin, with Vasileios Madouros, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, officially unveiling the coin. Larry Mullen Jr. was also in attendance on behalf of the band.
U2 formed in 1976 after Larry Mullen Jr. placed a handwritten note on the noticeboard at Mount Temple Comprehensive School reading: “Drummer Seeks Musicians To Form Band.”
What began with a group of teenagers coming together in a kitchen on Dublin’s North Side went on to become one of the most successful and influential bands in music history.
Over the past five decades, U2 have performed around the world, released 15 studio albums and sold more than 175 million records globally. The band have also won 22 Grammy Awards – more than any other band – as well as Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Governor Madouros said the Central Bank was privileged to honour U2 with the commemorative coin.
He said commemorative coins “tell the stories of the people and moments that have shaped our nation and inspired the world”, adding that U2 represents “the very best of Irish creativity and talent on the global stage”.
The band also marked the occasion with a statement reflecting on the symbolism of having their image featured on a coin.
“Four heads on a coin… not a bad metaphor for this Irish band,” U2 said, before referencing the coin’s ability to be “spent anywhere in Europe”.
The commemorative coin will go on sale from 12pm on Friday, 25 September, through collectorcoins.ie.
Two versions will be available to fans and collectors: 150,000 brilliant uncirculated €2 coin cards, retailing at €14.95, and 5,000 silver proof €2 coin booklets, which will retail at €39.95.
