Two coins released to mark 90th anniversary of Michael Collins' death
Updated / Wednesday, 15 Aug 2012 22:03
The Central Bank has issued two new collector coins to mark the 90th anniversary of the death of Michael Collins at Béal na mBláth in Cork.
One of the country's most influential political leaders and patriots, he was shot dead while travelling between Bandon and Macroom on 22 August 1922.
The limited collection includes a €10 silver coin, and a €20 gold coin, both depicting a young Collins.
Minister for Finance Michael Noonan officially launched the coins at a ceremony attended by members of the Collins family at Collins Barracks in Cork this afternoon.
The coins were designed by artist Thomas Ryan, who has also designed a number of other coins, including the Irish £1 coin featuring a red deer, which was introduced in 1990 to replace the pound note.
They will be available online or at the Central Bank on Dame Street. Taoiseach Enda Kenny is to give the annual oration at Béal na mBláth this Sunday.