Coins marking JFK visit issued by Central Bank

Two coins marking the 50th anniversary of President John F Kennedy's visit to Ireland have been launched by the Central Bank.

The €10 silver coin and the €20 gold coin feature a portrait of President Kennedy, the first president of the United States to appear on an Irish coin.

Designed by Tom Fitzgerald, the coins have an issue limit of 25,000 units of the €10 silver coin and 10,000 units of the €20 gold coin. Available to the public from today , the coins cost €50 for the silver-proof coin and €130 for the double box set.

Director of financial operations at the Central Bank Maurice McGuire described their launch at the Tholsel in New Ross yesterday as “very appropriate”.

“It was on this very day 50 years ago that the president made the historic visit to his ancestral home, which has had such a lasting impact on the people of Ireland,” he said.

The coins can be purchased directly from the Central Bank on Dame Street, or by phoning 1890 307 607 or at www.centralbank.ie.