Playwright's iconic image adorns commemorative coins

The iconic image of playwright Samuel Beckett features on new limited edition collector coins launched today as part of the celebrations of the centenary of his birth.

Beckett is featured with a scene of his most famous work, Waiting for Godot, on the €20 gold coin and the €10 silver coin.

The Central Bank confirmed the coins – including the first gold euro collector coin issued by the institution – will go on sale from next Tuesday.

John Hurley, governor of the Central Bank, said the institution was delighted to be part of the extensive centenary celebrations.

“The design of these coins serves to commemorate Samuel Beckett as one of Ireland’s leading literary figures. Beckett’s face endeavours to capture his distinct dramatic pose,” Mr Hurley said.

“Equally dramatic is the depiction on the coins of his most famous work, ’Waiting for Godot’. The haunting quality of the two figures under the tree is echoed in Beckett’s portrait. I have no doubt that both of these beautiful Beckett coins will be very popular with the public.”

Around 20,000 of the €20 gold coins and 35,000 of the €10 silver coins will be minted. The coins were designed by Emmet Mullins who won a national design competition held in 2005.

At the launch, Michael Colgan, director of the Gate Theatre, said: “I have no doubt the coins will be very popular with Beckett enthusiasts as a treasured memento of this unique tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest writers.”

In 2003, the bank issued a coin to mark the Special Olympics, while a coin was also issued to mark the accession of 10 new countries to the EU.

The Beckett €10 silver coin will cost €32 , while the €20 gold coin will be sold for €50.