Medieval Irish Architecture – Rock of Cashel €20 Gold Proof Coin 2013
- Celebrating Medieval Architecture of Ireland
- Features elements of the Rock of Cashel
- Enclosed within its own elegant presentation case with a certificate of authenticity
- Issue limited to 10,000 gold coins
Ireland’s landscape is dotted with the remains of medieval buildings. Although many are now in ruin, the castles, churches, monasteries and round towers all provide a fascinating insight into Ireland’s rich architectural heritage. There was a vibrant artistic and cultural scene in Ireland during the middle ages but the country was very open to influences from Europe. Consequently, Irish Medieval Architecture is an eclectic mixture of native and imported styles. Increasingly common was the Romanesque style but Gothic and Germanic styles are also prominent during this period. Many of Ireland’s fine churches were built during this era and some of the country’s larger cities were established and fortified during the medieval period. Throughout Ireland, there remains today many fine examples of medieval architecture, mainly to be found in churches and castles. In conjunction with the Department of Finance, the Central Bank of Ireland is issuing a limited edition collector coin honouring Medieval Irish Architecture and featuring the Rock of Cashel. These historic limited issue €20 collector coins have been struck to the highest proof quality. The reverse of the coin features elements of the Rock of Cashel – one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in Ireland. The round tower, gothic rose window, ramparts and Celtic cross – all typical architectural features of this period, come together in a magnificent design by Irish artist Mary Gregory. The obverse of the coin bears the traditional representation of the Irish harp. These historic €20 collector coins are beautifully minted and are a fitting tribute to celebrate Medieval Irish Architecture. Each coin is struck to proof quality in .999 fine gold and is enclosed within its own elegant presentation case. A numbered Certificate of Authenticity testifying to the low issue limit accompanies each coin. This commemorative coin issue is strictly limited to only 10,000 gold coins. Mary Gregory, sculptor, studied Fine Art at the Crawford College of Art & Design, Cork. The Medieval Irish Architecture coin for 2013 is Mary’s third coin design for Ireland following the 2007 Celtic Culture coin and the 2013 James Joyce coin. “On a coin of this small size I felt that a simple, strong symbolic format was essential. The Round Tower is silhouetted against the sky to stand out visibly on the coin. It is tall and imposing as well a being very beautiful. Behind the tower are the battlements enforcing the notion that this was the castle which protected the seat of the Kings of Ireland for hundreds of years. The Rose window represents typical medieval architecture. I added one more element to reflect the Celtic tradition of the monument: one lone Irish High Cross is silhouetted against the tower.”
Article number | IE2213 |
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Featured product | No |
Product Quality | Proof |
Year | 2013 |
Metal | Gold |
Coin Weight | 0.5g |
Denomination | 20 |
Fineness | 0.999 |
Issue Limit | 10,000 |
Designer Reverse | Mary Gregoiry |