Charles A. Parsons €15 Silver Proof Coin 2017

This 2017 €15 silver proof coin commemorating the life and works of engineer Sir Charles Algernon Parsons is the third coin in the ‘Irish Science and Inventions’ series. Charles Parsons was born in 1854 and spent most of his childhood at Birr Castle, Co Offaly, his family’s estate. As a child, he was tutored by prominent scientist Robert Ball and later attended Trinity College Dublin and St. John’s College, Cambridge. Parsons’ invention of the steam turbine engine in 1884 was a major breakthrough in electrical engineering and power generation.

Later applying this work to marine propulsion, Parsons’ steam turbines revolutionized marine transportation by increasing both the speed and efficiency of sea-faring vessels. He received many honours in recognition of his engineering genius, including election to the Royal Society in 1898 and a knighthood in 1911. He died in 1931.

The coin design, by Antonella Napolione, features a portrait of the engineer with an early model of his steam turbine engine, encircled by an inscription and a representation of turbine blades. This proof coin comes in a presentation box with a certificate of authenticity. The diameter of this coin is 38.61mm and it weighs 28.28g. The coin is struck in .925 Sterling Silver and is strictly limited to 6,000 pieces.