The coins are back in town.
A €15 commemorative coin bearing the likeness of legendary Irish musician and Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott was launched today.
The coin was revealed on Tuesday morning by President Michael D. Higgins at St. Kevin’s College, Crumlin, the former school of the Dublin icon. Lynott was born in 1949, making 2019 the 70th annivserary of his birth.
Only 3,000 Phil Lynott coins will be made available to the public, and if you want one it’ll set you back €64.99.
The piece is struck in .925 sterling silver to proof quality. It was designed by artist Sandra Deiana and pays tribute to Lynott with a depiction of him in a characteristic pose with his bass guitar and sound waves emanating from it.
Behind the main focal point of the design is a graphic representation of a vinyl record.
The Central Bank has noted that the coins are for collectors and aren’t intended for general circulation. Unlike coins minted for general use, collectors’ coins such as the Lynott coin are individually handled and protectively stored in order to prevent tarnishing.
Lynott is the second Irish musician to be honoured with such a coin after a similar €15 silver proof coin was launched in 2018 in memory of Rory Gallagher.
Central Bank Deputy Governor Sharon Donnery, who grew up in Crumlin, said: “The Central Bank is proud to be issuing this fabulous coin to celebrate such an iconic musician. We are particularly pleased to be launching it in Crumlin: Phil Lynott grew up on Leighlin road and went to school here at St Kevin’s College.
“Phil Lynott’s iconic status, his contribution to modern Irish music and the enduring popularity of his music is why the Bank has issued a coin honouring him.”
The coins will be made available to the public starting at 10am on Wednesday morning (27 November). More information here.
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