U2 have been honoured with a new €2 commemorative coin marking 50 years since the Irish band formed in Dublin.
The Central Bank of Ireland launched the coin on Friday 25 September, exactly five decades after Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr first came together as teenagers.
Designed by longtime U2 creative collaborator Shaughn McGrath, the coin features portraits of all four band members alongside the Irish harp.
Mullen attended the launch at the Little Museum of Dublin on behalf of the band, where Central Bank Deputy Governor Vasileios Madouros officially unveiled the commemorative coin.
U2 mark 50 years on Irish currency
The commemorative coin celebrates U2’s five-decade career, during which the band have released 15 studio albums, sold more than 175 million records worldwide and won 22 Grammy Awards.
Madouros described the coin as a recognition of U2’s contribution to Irish culture and their international influence.
“It is a privilege for the Central Bank of Ireland to honour U2 with a €2 commemorative coin.”
He added:
“Commemorative coins tell the stories of the people and moments that have shaped our nation and inspired the world. U2 represents the very best of Irish creativity and talent on the global stage.”
“For 50 years, their music has inspired millions of people around the world. This commemorative coin is a fitting tribute to their legacy and profound impact on popular culture and beyond.”
U2 react to their four faces appearing on a coin
The band responded to the honour with a typically playful statement about seeing their faces placed on Irish currency.
“Four heads on a coin… Ready to be bought, sold, held, lost, traded, stolen, loved, missed, and gambled… win or lose.”
The band also joked about the possibility of their likenesses ending up on a railway track before turning the statement towards their Irish roots.
“To be spent in a sweet shop on liquorice allsorts, gobstoppers, acid drops, and fizz bombs… Tayto and 99s…”
They continued:
“Four heads and a silver harp… not a bad metaphor for this Irish band. But the coin can be spent anywhere in Europe… we like that too.”
U2 ended their message with a reference to the traditional practice of flipping a coin:
“The coin is still spinning in the air… it hasn’t landed yet. And we hope that whatever way you call it, you win.”
How U2 formed 50 years ago
U2’s story began at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin in September 1976.
Mullen, then 14, placed a handwritten notice on the school’s noticeboard reading:
“Drummer Seeks Musicians To Form Band”
The students who answered the notice included Bono, The Edge and Clayton. They subsequently gathered at Mullen’s family home on Dublin’s northside, where the foundations of the band were established.
Originally known as Feedback, the group later became The Hype before settling on the name U2.
Five decades later, the band returned to Mount Temple to mark their anniversary with a surprise concert for current students.
The seven-song set included “I Will Follow”, “Vertigo”, “Beautiful Day”, “Out Of Control”, “Silencio”, “One” and “With Or Without You”.
U2’s 50th anniversary continues with new album
The commemorative coin arrives during a major anniversary period for U2.
The band have announced their 16th studio album, Carnaval De Luz, which is due for release on 13 November 2026. The album is their first collection of new material in nine years.
U2 also released “Silencio” this week, giving fans new music as the band celebrate five decades since their formation.
The album will feature a duet between Bono and Dolly Parton on “Torn”, which became the late country star’s final recorded vocal performance.
How to get the U2 €2 commemorative coin
The Central Bank of Ireland has produced two collector editions of the U2 commemorative coin.
A total of 150,000 brilliant uncirculated €2 coin cards are available for €14.95, while 5,000 silver proof €2 coin booklets are priced at €39.95.
Both editions went on sale from 12pm on Friday 25 September through the Central Bank’s collector coin store.
The silver proof edition sold out shortly after going on sale, according to reports.
