Commemorative 15 euro coin honours author Maeve Binchy
The Central Bank of Ireland has launched a 15 euro silver proof commemorative coin honoring the late Irish author Maeve Binchy. The limited release of 3,000 pieces went on sale on October 2, 2026, for 129.95 euros.
A literary legacy struck in silver
Designed by Antonella Napolione, the commemorative coin features a portrait of Maeve Binchy, an open book beneath a fountain pen nib, and the author’s signature.
The edge bears the inscription ‘MAEVE BINCHY 1940-2012’ while the reverse displays the Irish harp alongside the inscription Éire and the year 2026.
Governor Gabriel Makhlouf presented the coin to the Binchy family at Dalkey Castle, noting that “Maeve captured the essence of Irish society” across a career spanning 17 novels and over 43 million book sales in 37 languages.
The issue is strictly limited to 3,000 collector pieces retailing at 129.95 euros each through collectorcoins.ie.
Dalkey roots and numismatic traditions
Born in Dalkey, Binchy worked as a teacher and journalist for the Irish Times before publishing her debut novel in 1982.
The launch coincides with the annual ECHOES Maeve Binchy Literary Festival running from October 2 to 4 in Dalkey.
The Central Bank issues collector coins annually on behalf of the Minister for Finance, guided by recommendations from the Collector Coin Advisory Group.
Proof coins feature mirror-like finishes produced with specially polished dies and are not intended for circulation.
Cultural tribute with niche appeal
The coin offers a fitting artistic tribute to one of Ireland's most cherished popular authors.
At 129.95 euros for a 3,000-piece run, it caters strictly to numismatic collectors rather than general readers.
While purely ceremonial in nature, such mintings fulfill the central bank's statutory cultural mandate.
IN: