James Joyce collector coin launched

A collector coin in honour of James Joyce was launched by the Central Bank  today.

Designed by Mary Gregoriy, it features a portrait of the writer with the first lines from Chapter 3 of Ulysses pouring out of the top of his head in order to depict a continuous stream of consciousness.

According to the designer, the text is intentionally scrawled and in places illegible “like the text of Joyce, which is sometimes unfathomable.”

The silver proof coin is part of the European Silver Programme, an annual initiative where EU members issue legal tender coins under a common theme to celebrate European identity. This year’s theme is European writers.

Speaking at the launch, bank governor Patrick Honohan said the coin's design, combining portrait and concept in an original manner, reflected Joyce's standing "as one of the leading figures in the modernist movement."

10,000 coins are available and can be bought by downloading an order form from www.centralbank.ie, by calling 1890 307 607 or directly from the Central Bank on Dame Street in Dublin at a cost of € 46.