Coin launched to mark battle anniversary

Dublin People 03 May 2014
One of Ireland’s earliest coins, the silver penny of Sitric c. 997 courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland, pictured beside Ireland’s newest, the gold $20 Battle of Clontarf of coin 2014. PHOTO: JASON CLARKE PHOTOGRAPHY

LAST week, the Central Bank of Ireland launched a

?¬20 limited edition Gold Proof collector coin to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf.

The coin features a carved portrayal of High King of Ireland Brian Ború and the words

‘Clontarf 1014’.

As with all circulating and collector coins, the obverse bears the traditional representation of the Irish harp, known as the Brian Ború Harp.

Speaking at the launch at the National Museum of Ireland, who are currently marking the 1,000th anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf with their

‘Brian Ború and the Battle for Dublin’ exhibition, Central Bank Director Fiona Muldoon said:

“This little golden coin marks the millennium of one of the great milestones in Ireland’s history.

“The Battle of Clontarf was not just an important event itself but was also an inspiration for future generations.

The coin, which was designed by Irish sculptor Noel Hoare, is part of the Smallest Gold Coin in the World Series and is limited to 12,000 units.

Dublin Bay North TD Sean Kenny (Lab) welcomed the release of the coin, and described it as an appropriate way to remember a major turning point in the history of Ireland.

“I have no doubt that they will increase in value as the years go by and are a good investment, may make an interesting gift for a family member that will become more valuable over time,

? he said.

*Coins can be purchased by downloading an order form from www.centralbank.ie, directly from the Central Bank on Dame Street in Dublin or by phoning 1890 307 607 (overseas: +353 1 2483605) at a cost of

?¬48.

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