2011 Ireland €15 Silver Proof Coin "Salmon"

• Mint:
• Denomination: €15
• Quality: Proof
• Issue limit: 12,000 pcs.
• Alloy: 92.5% Sterling Silver
• Diameter: 38.61 mm
• Weight: 28.28 grams
• Artist: Emmett Mullins
• Box/Capsule: Yes/Yes
• Certificate: Yes

Additional Information

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Issued on October 10, this is the second issue in the new series featuring "Animals of Irish Coinage" and focuses on the salmon. Each of the coins in the series will pay tribute to one of the original Percy Metcalfe designs used on the first coins issued by the Irish Free State in 1928.

The Irish Free State decided soon after its foundation in the 1920s to design its own coins and banknotes. Englishman Percy Metcalfe's animal designs were chosen and design modifications were added with assistance from civil servants at the Department of Agriculture. The first coins were struck in 1928 and were minted at the Royal Mint in London.

The obverse side traditionally depicts the 14 string Irish harp modeled on the "Brian Boru" harp in Trinity College, Dublin. This harp has been used on Irish coins since 1928. The reverse features a salmon, representing Ireland's sea fisheries and freshwater game fishing, which was originally featured on the 1928 florin (two shillings).