Central Bank issues coin to celebrate 50 years of U2
Four band members on €2 designed by Shaughn McGrath
The Central Bank of Ireland has launched a new €2 commemorative coin to mark 50 years since the formation of U2 in 1976.
The coin features an image of the four band members Adam Clayton, Bono, The Edge, and Larry Mullen Jr. It was designed by Shaughn McGrath.
It was officially launched today by Vasileios Madouros, Deputy Governor, Monetary and Financial Stability, during an event held in the Little Museum of Dublin, with Larry Mullen Jr in attendance on behalf of the band.
U2 was formed in 1976 when Larry Mullen posted a handwritten note reading “Drummer Seeks Musicians To Form Band” on the notice board at Mount Temple Comprehensive School. What subsequently began in a kitchen on the North Side of Dublin evolved into one of the most influential bands in history.
Over five decades, U2 has captivated generations of music lovers. The band has toured the globe countless times, released 15 studio albums, sold over 175 million records worldwide, and won numerous awards, including 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band, and Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award.
Madouros said: "It is a privilege for the Central Bank of Ireland to honour U2 with a €2 commemorative coin. Commemorative coins tell the stories of the people and moments that have shaped our nation and inspired the world. U2 represents the very best of Irish creativity and talent on the global stage. For 50 years, their music has inspired millions of people around the world. This commemorative coin is a fitting tribute to their legacy and profound impact on popular culture and beyond.”
The band said: “Four heads on a coin… Ready to be bought, sold, held, lost, traded, stolen, loved, missed, and gambled… win or lose… Grateful to be put on a train track and flattened… but not to crack. To be spent in a sweet shop on liquorice allsorts, gobstoppers, acid drops, and fizz bombs… Tayto and 99s... Four heads and a silver harp… not a bad metaphor for this Irish band. But the coin can be spent anywhere in Europe… we like that too. The coin is still spinning in the air… it hasn't landed yet. And we hope that whatever way you call it, you win.”
Some 150,000 brilliant uncirculated €2 coin cards and will retail at €14.95 from collectorcoins.ie. Five thousand silver proof €2 coin booklets will retail at €39.95.