The wait is finally over for music fans and numismatists worldwide: the Central Bank of Ireland has unveiled the official design of its highly anticipated second €2 commemorative coin for 2026. The release celebrates rock history, honouring the 50th anniversary of the legendary Irish band U2, founded in Dublin in September 1976, who have shaped global pop culture like few other acts before or since.
The design brings the band's visual identity to a €2 coin, featuring the striking inscription 'U2/50th Anniversary' along with the country name 'éire' across the upper part of the coin's inner field, harmoniously combined below with a depiction of all four legendary band members — Adam Clayton, Bono, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr. Also shown on the obverse are the year '2026' and the mint mark of the Royal Dutch Mint. As usual, the outer ring of the coin carries the twelve stars of the European flag. The coin was designed by Shaughn McGrath. This issue marks a historic first for Irish euro coinage: for the very first time, Ireland is releasing two national €2 commemorative coins within a single year — following the coin marking its EU Council Presidency issued back in July.
With more than 150 million records sold worldwide, a record-breaking 22 Grammy Awards, and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the quartet ranks among the most successful musical exports the world has ever seen. This official state honour on a euro coin now cements the band's pop-culture legacy in numismatic form as well. The official first day of issue for the commemorative coin is today, 25 September 2026. Collectors should note that this coin was not struck for general circulation and is only available as part of official collector editions. The total mintage is strictly limited to 155,000 pieces, of which 150,000 in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) quality are available now in a coincard, alongside a further 5,000 coins in Proof quality, available in a presentation case.
Source: Central Bank of Ireland
