U2 honoured with €2 coin marking 50th anniversary

U2 have been honoured with a new €2 commemorative coin marking 50 years since the band first came together in Dublin.

The Central Bank of Ireland launched the coin on Friday, 25 September, exactly 50 years to the day since Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr first came together.

Designed by Shaughn McGrath, the coin features an image of all four members of the band.

Mullen attended its official launch at the Little Museum of Dublin, where it was unveiled by Central Bank Deputy Governor Vasileios Madouros.

The band marked the occasion with a characteristically playful statement about finding themselves on Irish currency.

"Four heads on a coin… Ready to be bought, sold, held, lost, traded, stolen, loved, missed, and gambled… win or lose," they said.

"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."

They added: "The coin is still spinning in the air… it hasn't landed yet. And we hope that whatever way you call it, you win."

U2’s story began in 1976 after Mullen placed a handwritten notice reading "Drummer Seeks Musicians To Form Band" on a noticeboard at Mount Temple Comprehensive School.

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U2 at 50: 50 things you might not know

The teenagers who responded subsequently gathered at the Mullen family home on Dublin’s northside, beginning a musical partnership that would go on to span five decades.

U2 have since released 15 studio albums, sold more than 175 million records worldwide and won 22 Grammy Awards.

Madouros said the coin recognised the band’s contribution to Irish culture and their international success.

"U2 represents the very best of Irish creativity and talent on the global stage," he said.

"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 coin went on sale at 12pm on Friday in two collectors’ editions.

A total of 150,000 brilliant uncirculated €2 coin cards are priced at €14.95, while 5,000 silver proof €2 coin booklets are available for €39.95.

The launch comes during a major anniversary week for U2, who have also announced their forthcoming studio album, Carnaval De Luz, due for release in November.

Their latest single, Silencio, was released this week.