The Central Bank of Ireland is causing a genuine sensation in the €2 collector coin world, breaking sharply with its long-standing issuing policy. As the central bank officially announced today, Ireland will release a second national €2 commemorative coin in 2026 — a first in the history of euro coinage for the country. This additional special edition is scheduled for release on 25 September 2026 and honours one of the most successful music acts of all time: the Irish rock band U2.
Up to now, Ireland has taken a fairly cautious approach to €2 commemorative coins, never having used up its full annual quota of two national commemorative issues. For 2026, a €2 coin marking Ireland's EU Council Presidency has already been released in the first half of the year. The fact that a second coin will now follow in September, celebrating 50 years of U2, marks a historic turning point.
By featuring U2 on a euro circulation coin, the band — formed in Dublin in 1976 — receives one of the highest forms of state recognition imaginable. Fronted by Bono, alongside guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr., U2 has shaped global rock music for decades with world-famous hits such as "With or Without You" and "One." The band has sold more than 150 million records, won a record-breaking 22 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 2005.
Among collectors, the announcement of this extraordinary theme is bound to spark huge demand. The combination of a globally recognised pop-culture icon and Ireland's traditionally tightly limited collector editions in official proof sets is likely to drive exceptionally high interest. Since the coin is due to be issued as early as 25 September, further details on the mintage figures and design are expected to follow soon.
Source: Central Bank of Ireland