€20 Celtic Cross Gold Proof Coin

Another gold coin that completely sold out after just a few days from its official sales. 12,000 €20 Celtic Cross Gold Proof Coin issued by Central Bank of Ireland already completely sold out. This gold proof collector coin featuring the Celtic High Cross was launched on 18 April 2011. The coin is one of the smallest in the world at just 11 millimetres in diameter and 0.5g in weight and its design is the work of renowned Irish artist Thomas Ryan.

The miniature coin pictures the Celtic High Cross in a monastic setting alongside the Irish Round Tower and bears the Irish Harp in exceptional detail. The coin was designed by Thomas Ryan who has commissioned a number of significant Irish coins including the 1990 £1 coin featuring the red deer and the 1988 Dublin Millennium 50 pence coin.

Speaking at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks for the launch, Mary O’Dea, Director of Financial Operations at the Central Bank of Ireland said: ‘The Celtic High Cross holds a significant place in our heritage with many of these monuments dating back as far as the 8th century. Today is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural and Christian heritage associated with these monuments and the Central Bank of Ireland is delighted to pay tribute to Ireland’s magnificent High Crosses with the issue of this very special €20 coin."

The €20 gold proof coin, which has an issue limit of 12,000 units, is available to the public from 18 April at a cost of €40 per coin. Each coin is displayed in a special presentation case and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity specifying the quality of the coin and the limited issue. The coin can be purchased directly from the Central Bank of Ireland, Dame Street, Dublin.

Source: Central Bank of Ireland.