ISSUED: BY CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND.
ISSUE DATE: 2008.
LIMIT ISSUE: 5,000.
PROOF FINE GOLD 0.999.
WEIGHT: GOLD: 1.24 GRMS
DIAMETER: 13.92MM.
PROOF 0.925 STERLING SILVER
WEIGHT: 28.528 GRMS. DIAMETER 38.61MM
DESIGNER: MICHAEL GUILFOYLE.
The Obverse features the Brian Boru Harp after the 11th Century High King of Ireland. The Harp is the traditional symbol of Ireland. On the left side of the harp is the Irish word for Ireland, Eire, and to the right is “2008”, the year of issue.
The Reverse features the image of Skellig Michael, with the smaller island of Little Skellig (Sceilig Bheag) also shown. Above Skellig Michael is a flock of birds soaring skyward towards a series of 12 stars that signify the European Union. On the left hand side of the coin is the denomination of 10 Euro. Around the bottom of the coin are the words “Sceilig Mhichil”.
These Proof Coin set has been struck to celebrate the magnificent UNESCO Heritage Site of Skellig Michael, based 15 Kilometres off the west coast of County Kerry. This steep rocky island was an important centre of monastic life for Irish Christian monks for 600 years. Michael Guilfoyle, the designer of this coin series has chosen to represent the physical and spiritual aspects of the island in this design. At the centre of the coin is the island itself, with a flock of birds soaring from the summit towards the stars in reference to the patron saint of Skellig, Saint Michael, the Christian saint who carried the souls of the worthy to Heaven.
COMES IN NICE PRESENTATION BOX WITH NUMBERED CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
