Coin

100 euro - Polar Year (2008) — Ireland

Ireland • 2008 • KM# 57

100 euro - Polar Year (2008) — Ireland

Overview

A 100 Euro gold coin from Ireland, commemorating the International Polar Year and the Antarctica Exploration by Ernest Shackleton and Tom Crean. Struck as Proof.

Specifications

Country
Ireland
Year
2008
Composition
Gold (.999)
Weight
15.5 g
Diameter
28 mm
Thickness
1.7 mm
Mint
Kremnica, Slovakia (1328-date)
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
References
KM# 57
Issuer
Ireland

Design details

Obverse

The Irish harp surrounded by olive branches. Lettering: éire 2008

Reverse

Irish explorers Ernest Shackleton and Thomas (Tom) Crean. Lettering: ERNEST SHACKLETON ANTARCTICA TOM CREAN 100 EURO T.R.

Collector insights

  • Design heritage: T. Ryan is credited as the designer for the Non-circulating coins series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
  • Struck at: Kremnica, Slovakia (1328-date). Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
  • Low mintage: Only 3,000 pieces reported. This puts the issue into key-date territory for its series; expect steep grade-based price scaling and a higher counterfeit risk — provenance and third-party grading matter.
  • Gold issue: Gold (.999) — bullion demand competes with numismatic demand. Weight and fineness (not just face value) drive the melt-value floor.
  • Catalogue reference: Listed as KM# 57. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

Curator Insights

Historical context

Issued during a period of Irish economic prosperity, this gold proof coin commemorates the International Polar Year (2007-2008). It honors Ireland's historical contributions to Antarctic exploration, specifically through the expeditions led during the 'Heroic Age.' This issuance represents the highest denomination in the Irish decimal series at the time of its release.

Design heritage

The reverse, designed by T. Ryan, features portraits of explorers Ernest Shackleton and Tom Crean against an Antarctic backdrop. The obverse displays the state's traditional harp emblem, though uniquely framed by olive branches for this commemorative series. T. Ryan's signature 'T.R.' appears on the reverse, signifying his contribution to the national numismatic design portfolio.

Varieties and technical notes

This 100 Euro piece was struck exclusively as a proof specimen at the Kremnica Mint in Slovakia, featuring a high-luster finish on 15.5 grams of 0.999 fine gold. Collectors should examine the milled edge for consistency and the strike quality of the fine lettering on the reverse. No major die varieties or significant minting errors are documented for this specific limited-year release.

Survival and modern availability

With a strictly limited mintage of 3,000 pieces, nearly all examples remain in private collections as numismatic assets rather than circulation currency. Survival levels are high due to their gold composition and protective original mint packaging, which has prevented the attrition typically associated with base-metal coins. Availability on the secondary market is generally restricted to specialized auctions and precious metal dealers.

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Browse more items in the full catalog or view Ireland in the country guide.