A commemorative set of coins marking Antarctic explorers Earnest Shackleton and Tom Crean are being issued.
As part of celebrations for International Polar Year, a €5 silver proof coin and a €100 gold proof coin are being offered to collectors.
Designed by Irish artist and medallist Thomas Ryan, the coins feature Crean and Shackleton and their stricken vessel The Endurancetrapped in the packed ice of Antarctica.
“In keeping with tradition, the national side of the coin depicts the 14 string Irish harp modelled on the ‘Brian Boru’ harp in Trinity College,” a spokeswoman for the Central Bank said.
“As an addition to the national side of the coin, a laurel wreath, a traditional symbol of excellence and integrity, surrounds the harp.”
One of the coins, known as a half troy, is made of gold and weighs 15.5 grams and is the first time the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland have issued this size of coin.
They are available individually in sterling silver for €50 and fine gold costing €395 or as a special two-coin set at €440.
A limited edition of 5,000 silver coins and 2,000 gold coins will be issued, and there will also be 1,000 two-coin sets issued.
PA