The coin was officially launched by Governor Gabriel Makhlouf and Tánaiste and finance minister Simon Harris at a ceremony at the Central Bank.

The Central Bank will mint 500,000 of the special €2 coin and it will be issued into general circulation from today. People all over Ireland, and indeed Europe, will find the coin in their hands and pockets in the coming weeks.

The coin will also be included in a proof set that will go on sale from collectorcoins.ie in mid-July.

The coin design features the official presidency logo, symbolising “growth, dynamism and movement”. Each individual arm of the spiral features 27 discs to symbolise the 27 Member States of the EU, with the resulting white space at the centre forming a 5-point star, a symbol from the EU flag.

Mr Makhlouf said: “The Central Bank is delighted to issue this commemorative coin to mark Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is a significant moment for Ireland as we take on the privilege and responsibility of hosting the Presidency during a pivotal time for Europe. The coin’s design really captures the spirit of European cooperation and will be a symbol of Ireland’s Presidency. I encourage everyone to keep an eye out for this special coin as over 500,000 of them enter general circulation from tomorrow.”

Mr Simon Harris said: “As we take up the EU Presidency for the eighth time, this commemorative coin marks a milestone of national pride, recognising the role Ireland plays in advancing European cooperation, progress and partnership. It is fitting that this coin symbolises the contribution our country has made and will continue to make to Europe’s shared prosperity.”