Date: 2019
2019 Phil Lynott €15 Silver Commemorative Proof
- Issued by: The Central Bank of Ireland
- Issue Date: 27th November 2019
- Coin launched by President Michael D. Higgins
- at St. Kevin’s College, Crumlin, the former school of Phil Lynott
- Issue Limit: 3,000 pieces
- Designer: Sandra Deiana (Italy)
- Quality:
- Proof strike
- Sterling Silver 0.925 fine
- Weight: 28.28 g
- Diameter: 38.61 mm
Description:
This is the second coin issued in the three coin series entitled ‘Modern Irish Musicians’ and it commemorates 70 years since the year of birth of legendary Irish rock musician Phil Lynott. Such is his popularity and cult rock status, his coin was ‘sold out’ within two hours and the Central Bank’s specialist website (www.collectorcoins.ie) crashed due to a massive surge in website traffic). A petition was launched to force the Central Bank of Ireland to issue more coins but, sadly, this cannot be done since it is already ‘certified’ as a limited edition of 3,000 coins.
- A coin commemorating Rory Gallagher was launched in September 2018
- Rory Gallagher’s coin also sold out
- Perhaps the Central Bank will increase the issue for Luke Kelly’s coin in 2020
Phil Lynott was born in the West Midlands of England but grew up in Dublin. After fronting several bands (incl. Skid Row, alongside Gary Moore), Lynott formed Thin Lizzy in 1970. The band first found success with ‘Whiskey in the Jar’, followed by several hits in the mid-70s with songs such as ‘The Boys are Back in Town’, Jailbreak’, ‘The Rocker’ and ‘Waiting for an Alibi’.
- YouTube clips / Thin Lizzy
Lynott also enjoyed success as a solo artist with two albums producing the hits ‘Dear Miss Lonelyhearts’, ‘King’s Call’ and ‘Old Town’, the music video for the latter famously showing Phil walking through the streets of Dublin.
Other Irish Commemorative Proof Coins in this Series:
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