Central Bank of Ireland launches silver proof commemorative coin celebrating the late author Maeve Binchy

Central Bank of Ireland today launched a €15 silver proof commemorative coin celebrating the literary legacy of beloved Irish author Maeve Binchy. The coin honours Maeve Binchy's contribution to literature and her enduring impact on readers worldwide. The coin will go on sale today (Friday 2 October 2026) at 12pm on collectorcoins.ie. There are just 3,000 coins available, and they will retail at €129.95. Best known for novels including Circle of Friends, Tara Road, and Light a Penny Candle, Maeve’s warmth, wit, and keen observation of life made her one of Ireland's most cherished storytellers. Many of Maeve’s novels went on to be adapted for the stage and screen. Designed by Antonella Napolione, the coin features a portrait of Maeve Binchy and an open book resting under the nib of a fountain pen, a symbol of her writing. Maeve’s signature, found on many of the front covers of books she has written, is also included on the coin. Around the edge is the inscription ‘MAEVE BINCHY 1940-2012’. On the left-hand side is the value of 15 EURO. The harp, year 2026 and Éire is on the opposite side of the coin. Governor Gabriel Makhlouf presented the coin to the Binchy family during a launch...