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Pearse 10 Shilling Coin
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1966, the 50th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, saw the production of many commemorative items. Among these was the 1966 silver 10 Schilling coin. The front shows Pádraig Pearse with the back showing statue of Cuchulainn by Oliver Sheppard R.H.A. The statue is now on display in the General Post Office in Dublin. Around the rim of the coin is engraved Éirí Amach na Cásca 1916,this is usually translated as Easter Rising 1916.
Of the 2 million of these coins minted nearly 1 and a quarter million were supposed to have been melted down for their silver some time in the 1970s, but, like the Emergency Medals and the Irish Army Vickers Helmets, when there is a plentiful supply of an Irish collectables the reduction story always appears. I think the person who was given the coins to melt is now selling them on Ebay and judging by the amount of them sold on Ebay he must be running short of them now.
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The 10 Shilling coin was issued in various presentation containers. All the major Irish banks issued one similar to the one in the image on the right. Because of the numerous display cases that have appeared since the advent of Ebay it is difficult to tell now what is an original issue and what is a copy.
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Pearse Gold Commemorative Coin
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Issued in 1966 for the 50th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, this coin came it two sizes. 22 carat gold weighing 4oz for the larger coin and 2oz for the smaller. The coin shows Pearse on the front and a quote for the 1916 Proclamation on the back. The coin was designed by Paul Vincze (1907 – 1994).
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Unlike the Pearse 10 Shilling coin this was not legal tender. Because of the gold content these coins are growing in value all the time.
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Michael Collins 75th Anniversary
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Michael Collins 75th Anniversary Coin. A limited edition of 50 issued in 1997 to mark the 75th anniversary of the death of Michael Collins.
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Michael Collins Commemoration Medallion 1996
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This medallion was issued in 1996 by Mr. Denis Lenihan from Dublin. Denis Lenihan was responsible for the maintenance of the grave of Michael Collins for over 30 years. The medallion was produced at the time of the Michael Collins film staring Liam Neeson, A limited number of the medallions were produced in silver one of which was presented to Neeson and one to Irish President Mary Robinson.
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As well as the limited silver medallions the medallion was also produced in bronze and I have also seen examples in chrome. I do not know if the bronze and chrome medallions were produced in limited numbers.
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The medallion came in a green leatherette presentation case with General Michael Collins Commemoration Medallion inscribed on the outside and inside of the lid.
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At a recent presentation in London of the Michael Collins Association Commemoration Medallion to actor Liam Neeson were, from left, Michael O’Brien, Sam’s Cross Clonakilty (relative of General Michael Collins) and Michael Noel Griffin, Chairman of the Michael Collins Association London. The Medallion was issued to mark the 75th anniversary of the death of Michael Collins.
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Irish President Mary Robinson is presented with a silver Michael Collins Medallion at a ceremony to mark the 75 anniversary of the death of Michael Collins.
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