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Commemorative 2 euro coin of Ireland, issued in 2023 in a circulation of 500,000 copies. Dedicated to the 50th anniversary of EU membership. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The design of the coin represents a modification of the "EU50" program logo, which was used by the Irish government to promote events marking the 50th anniversary of membership. The name of the issuing country "ÉIRE" is placed above the logo. The year "1973" refers to the year of Ireland's accession to the EU, and "2023" to the year of issue of the coin. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix. Depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders. On the left is a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union. The band is finely fluted and has a national inscription.
Historical context
Ireland joined the European Economic Community (the predecessor of the EU) on 1 January 1973, together with the United Kingdom and Denmark - this was the first enlargement of the EEC since its foundation in 1957. Ireland applied for membership twice (1961 and 1967) together with the United Kingdom, but both were blocked by a French veto under Charles de Gaulle. After the election of Georges Pompidou as President of France, negotiations resumed, and in 1972 the Irish people supported accession in a referendum with 83% of the vote "in favour". EU membership has transformed Ireland from one of the poorest countries in Western Europe in the 1970s to one of the richest per capita today. EU structural funds, open markets, and investments by multinational companies (especially from the United States) have transformed the country into a "Celtic Tiger." Ireland became the second English-speaking country in the EU after the United Kingdom's exit (Brexit) on January 31, 2020. 2023 was marked by numerous events under the slogan "EU50" - exhibitions, educational programs, concerts.