2017-10-06 Fri

Ireland released a new €10 silver proof commemorative coin to celebrate Ha’Penny Bridge in Dublin. Built in 1816, the bridge has been functional for three centuries new. It was the first pedestrian bridge over Liffey River connecting the north and south of Dublin City. It was the only pedestrian bridge across the river until Millennium Bridge was established in 1999.

People had to pay one half-penny which was the same rate as that of using the old ferry. It was called by different names like the Wellington Bridge, Liffey Bridge, Metal Bridge, Triangle Bridge and Iron Bridge. ‘Ha’penny Bridge’ stayed and the service was made free in 1919.

The new commemorative coin was presented to the first citizen of Dublin - Ardmhéara Mícheál Mac Donncha and will be showcased at the Mansion House. They were also given to the manager of the winning Dublin Senior Football Team, Jim Gavin, and the manager of the victorious Dublin Ladies Senior Football Team, Mick Bohan, to honour their achievements in 2017.

The coin belongs to the ‘Great Ages of Europe’ Program which began in 2016 and will go on till 2020. New €20 and €500 banknotes celebrating architecture was also a part of the program. A public competition was held to decide coin designs on the theme “The Age of Iron and Glass – An Irish Context”. The winning design features the Ha’Penny Bridge from the perspective of someone walking across its archway. BH Mayer Mint in Germany struck coins in .925 sterling silver. The coin can be purchased for €60 and its mintage limit is 4,000 pieces.