A special €2 coin commenting the 1916 Easter Rising and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic is coming into circulation from today.

Some 4.5 million of the coins are expected to be released.

This is the first time Ireland has released its own commemorative €2 coin marking an event in Irish history.

The design for this coin, by Emmet Mullins, was chosen following a competition that saw 52 Irish and international designers submit proposals based on the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

A close up of the coin | Image: Central Bank of Ireland

The coin features a representation of the statue of Hibernia (the historic personification of Ireland) on top of the GPO.

It also features the centenary dates and the name 'Hibernia' in hand-rendered lettering, influenced by the Book of Kells.

Paul Molumby, director of currency and facilities management at the Central Bank, says: "It's a significant achievement for us to mint and issue our own circulating commemorative coin".

"The design reflects back to the GPO and its association with the Easter Rising and the reading of the Proclamation".

"We are working with the banks, An Post, and the cash-in-transit companies to get the coin into circulation as soon as possible".