Central Bank Of Ireland Issues Saint Brendan ‚¬10 Coin

The following is a release from the Central Bank of Ireland

The Central Bank of Ireland today launched a limited edition €10 silver proof coin celebrating Saint Brendan the Navigator. The collector coin, part of a Europe-wide initiative to honour European explorers, depicts Saint Brendan and his monks sailing towards the Americas in his legendary voyage across the Atlantic in the 6th century.

Designed by Michael Guilfoyle, the coin is illustrated in iconography associated with Saint Brendan's epic journey and shows him sailing across the rolling waves of the Atlantic in a stylised, interwoven pattern to reflect the Christian explorer's Irish heritage.

Speaking at the launch in Ardfert Cathedral, County Kerry, the monastery founded by Saint Brendan, Mary O'Dea, Director of Financial Operations at the Central Bank of Ireland said: ‘Saint Brendan is immortalized in legend for his incredible journey across the Atlantic. The voyage he undertook with his monks is recognized in this commemorative coin and it is fitting that we are in Ardfert today to mark this special occasion.'

A special presentation of the coin was made to the Director of National Monuments, Dermot Burke who received the coin from the Central Bank on behalf of the Office of Public Works.

The €10 silver proof coin, which has an issue limit of 15,000 units, is available to the public from 15 February at a cost of €38 per coin. Each coin 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 or by calling 1890 307 607 (lo-call within Republic of Ireland).