The coin is strictly limited to 6,000 pieces.
A new €15 silver proof collector coin has been issued by the Central Bank of Ireland in honour of the inventor of the steam turbine engine, Sir Charles Algernon Parsons.
The third coin in the ‘Irish Science and Inventions’ series, the coin commemorates Parsons, who is regarded as one of the greatest engineers of his time.
Born in London, Parsons spent most of his childhood at his family’s estate in Birr Castle in Offaly, was tutored by the prominent scientist Robert Ball and later attended Trinity College Dublin.
He invented the steam turbine engine in 1884 and was knighted in 1911.
The coin design, by Antonella Napolione, features a portrait of Parsons with an early model of his steam turbine engine, encircled by an inscription and a representation of turbine blades.
This proof coin comes in a presentation box with a certificate of authenticity, it measures 38.61mm in diameter and it weighs 28.28g. The coin is struck in .925 Sterling Silver and is strictly limited to 6,000 pieces.
Pictured at the launch of the coin were Lord and Lady Rosse of Birr Castle and former Rose of Tralee Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, currently an Assistant Professor of Maths Education at UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics.
Released on September 1, it is available to purchase on the Central Bank website for €60.
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