EUR 2 commemorative coins 2021

Subject of commemoration: Our Lady of Meritxell
Description of the design:  The foreground of the design depicts the reproduction of the Romanesque carving of Our Lady of Meritxell (patron saint of the Principality of Andorra), which dates back from the 11th and 12th centuries. The background of the design shows a partial reproduction of the basilica sanctuary where it is located, a graphic element symbolizing a flower, the name of the issuing country ‘ANDORRA’ and the years ‘1921-2021’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 73 750
Date of issue: Last quarter of 2021

Subject of commemoration: Taking care of our seniors
Description of the design: The subject of the coin ‘CUIDEM LA NOSTRA GENT GRAN’ (taking care of our seniors) is symbolized by the image of the hand of a young person holding another hand that shows all the signs of aging, with a stethoscope below them. The name of the issuing country ‘ANDORRA’ encircling several reproductions of the SARSCoV-2 virus represents the State’s commitment to preventing its spread and caring for its citizens. The design also shows the date of issue ‘2021’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 70 000
Date of issue: Last quarter of 2021

Subject of commemoration: The 100th anniversary of the constitution of the Belgium-Luxembourg
Description of the design: It was a customs union and a currency union with the aim of strengthening cooperation and integration between the two countries. The union started with a first period of 50 years that was signed on 25 July 1921. Several new protocols were subsequently signed since the start of the BLEU in order to maintain it for a longer period of time. The latest protocol was signed between the two countries on 18 December 2002. The national side of the coin features the effigy of the Belgian King Philip I and that of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg. In addition, both countries are depicted, with the mention of the Economic Union, and the years 1921 and 2021. As the Royal Dutch Mint will strike the coins, the mintmark of Utrecht, a mercury staff is located on the bottom together with the Belgian mint director mintmark, the coat of arms of the municipality Herzele. It also contains the initials LL, referring to the designer of the coin, Mr. Luc Luycx. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Number of coins to be issued: 155 000
Date of issue: Summer 2021

Subject of commemoration: The 500th anniversary of the appearance of the ordinance of the second period of coin issuance during the reign of Charles V
Description of the design: The most famous coin is the Golden Carolus Guilder. Charles V’s pursuit of uniformity and centralization was also expressed in this series of coins. Almost 500 years after Charles V introduced his silver Carolus guilder, he was depicted on some ECU coins. The ECU, standing for European Currency Unit, was the forerunner of the euro. The national side of the coin depicts in the inner part of the piece the portrait of the Charles V, together with the text Carolus V. At the left you can find the 500 year old golden Carolus guilder, issued after the ordinance of the second period of coin issuance during the reign of Charles V. As the Royal Dutch Mint will strike the coins, the mintmark of Utrecht, a mercury staff is located on the bottom together with the Belgian mint director mintmark, the coat of arms of the municipality Herzele. It also contains the initials LL, referring to the designer of the coin, Mr. Luc Luycx. The country code BE and the year mark 2021 are located on the left. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Number of coins to be issued: 155 000
Date of issue: Autumn 2021

Subject of commemoration: Bundesländer series – Saxony-Anhalt
Description of the design: The design shows the Magdeburg Cathedral, the first Gothic-style cathedral to be constructed on German soil. The inner part also features the name ‘SACHSEN-ANHALT’ and the issuing country’s country code ‘D’ at the bottom, the mint mark of the respective mint (‘A’, ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘G’ or ‘J’) as well as the the year ‘2021’ on the left and the engraver’s mark on the right. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 30 000 000
Date of issue: 26 January 2021

Subject of commemoration: The Estonian national animal – the wolf
Description of the design: The design depicts the silhouette of the wolf and a forest. Close to the edge of the inner ring the country name ‘EESTI’ at the left, the year of issuance ‘2021’ at the right and the text ‘CANIS LUPUS’ (the wolf in Latin) at the top are depicted. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 1 000 000
Date of issue: Autumn 2021

Subject of commemoration: Finno-Ugric peoples
Description of the design: The national side of the coin depicts a design based on the cave drawings of Lake Äänisjärv. The symbols for the hunter, the elk, the water bird and the sun form the symbolic circle of life for the Finno-Ugric peoples. The central figure is a water bird, as they are represented in the art and folklore of all Finno-Ugric peoples. On the top right, in semi-circle, are the name of the country ‘EESTI’ followed by the year ‘2021’. At the bottom left is the inscription ‘FENNOUGRIA’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 1 000 000
Date of issue: September 2021

Subject of commemoration: Journalism and Open Communication Supporting the Finnish Democracy
Description of the design: The figures depicted in the inner part of the coin can be interpreted as stylized human figures made up from and entwined in a ribbon-like net. The outer sides of the inner part of the coin bear the lettering ‘JOURNALISMI JOURNALISTIK’. The bottom of the inner part bears the lettering ‘2021 FI’ preceded by the Finnish mint mark. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 800 000
Date of issue: spring 2021

Subject of commemoration: The 100-year autonomy of Åland
Description of the design: The theme of the coin is the archipelago landscape composed of embossed forms. The lower half of the design has a seaway with nautical signs, the bow of a boat and a hand holding a compass. The horizontal midline of the design has a sea horizon. The upper half of the design has sky and clouds. At the bottom, in semi-circle, is the inscription ‘AUTONOMY OF THE ÅLAND ISLANDS FOR 100 YEARS’ in Finnish. At the top, in semi-circle, is the inscription ‘AUTONOMY OF THE ÅLAND ISLANDS FOR 100 YEARS’ in Swedish. At the centre there are two diamond shaped highlights between the texts, one at the left and the other at the right. Above the diamonds, at the right side is the inscription ‘2021 FI’ and at the left side the mintmark of the Mint of Finland. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 800 000
Date of issue: Autumn 2021

Subject of commemoration: UNICEF
Description of the design: The design shows an allegory of the work of ‘UNICEF’ where the hands are a key element. One after the other they support the globe and are the link between the different areas of the Earth. The mention of the 75th anniversary as well as the laurels crown the ensemble accompanied by the acronym RF. On the upper rim, the name ‘UNICEF’ is inserted along with the relevant dates as well as the UNICEF motto ‘For each child’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 7 500 000
Date of issue: March 2021

Subject of commemoration: Olympic Games Paris 2024
Description of the design: Since 1896, date of their ‘creation’ by Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin, the Olympic Games of the modern era have been an unprecedented human gathering that has never ceased except during world conflicts. After passing through Brazil and Japan in the last two editions, the Summer Olympics are returning to Europe and this event with strong international resonance takes over the city of Paris a century after the games of 1924. On the occasion of the countdown to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, Monnaie de Paris wishes to celebrate the road to the games through a mix of Paris and the French numismatic heritage. The intensity thus gradually rises during the years preceding the event. The design represents Marianne, national figure and icon of French numismatics, running in an ‘old’ way in reference to the Olympic Games of the Ancient Era. Its silhouette blends with the Eiffel Tower, a key element of Parisian heritage, to form a common axis with the Iron Lady. In the background, an athletics track in which the emblem of Paris 2024 is inserted on the left side, is depicted. The year date, the mention RF and the mintmarks are inserted under the arch of the tower. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 510 000
Date of issue: End of September 2021

Subject of commemoration: 200 years since the Greek Revolution
Description of the design: The design features the Greek flag at the centre, encircled by laurel branches. Inscribed along the inner edge are the wordings ‘1821 – 2021 200 YEARS SINCE THE GREEK REVOLUTION’ and ‘HELLENIC REPUBLIC’. Visible, at the bottom, between two laurel branches, are a palmette (the minmark of the Greek Mint) and the signature of the artist (George Stamatopoulos). The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 1 500 000
Date of issue: April 2021

Subject of commemoration: 150th Anniversary of the institution of Rome Capital of Italy
Description of the design: The design depicts a detail of the Dea Roma, a sculpture by Angelo Zanelli inserted in the center of the Altare della Patria, a large votive altar dedicated to the Italian nation set in the Vittoriano complex in Rome. Above, the legend ‘ROMA CAPITALE’; on the right, the dates ‘•1871•2021•’, the year of the proclamation of Rome as the Capital of Italy and that of the coin’s issue respectively; on the left, ‘RI’, acronym of the Italian Republic, and ‘R’, identifying the Mint of Rome; in exergue, ‘UP’, initials of the designer Uliana Pernazza. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 3 000 000
Date of issue: January 2021

Subject of commemoration: Healthcare professionals
Description of the design: The design depicts in the centre, a man and a woman in medical clothing with masks, a stethoscope and a medical folder representing doctors and nurses working on the front line in the fight against COVID-19. Above, the word ‘GRAZIE’ followed, on the right, by a heart symbol; on the left, a reproduction of the medical cross; in the centre, ‘RI’, acronym of the Italian Republic; on the right, ‘R’, identifying the Mint of Rome; below,, on the left, ‘CM’, initials of the designer Claudia Momoni; in exergue, the year of the coin’s issue ‘2021’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 3 000 000
Date of issue: January 2021

Subject of commemoration: The 100th anniversary of Latvia’s international recognition de iure
Description of the design: It was on 26 January 1921 when Latvian diplomats had succeeded in accomplishing a momentous task – the world’s great powers recognized Latvia de iure. Although Latvia declared its independence on 18 November 1918, only after a confused period of fighting, the new nation was recognized in 1920. The design depicts an artistic inscription ‘100 Latvija de iure 2021’ thus also featuring the country name (LATVIJA) as well as the year of issue (2021). The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Number of coins to be issued: 412 000
Date of issue: First quarter of 2021

Subject of commemoration: UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme - Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve
Description of the design: The design depicts the characteristic surroundings of Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve, which belongs to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme: remote islands of a unique bird lake and Lithuania’s largest wetland as well as its distinctive animals. In the foreground there is a great bittern reaching for a fire-bellied toad floating in the water. In rushes depicted on the right there is an aquatic warbler, above – a flock of common cranes and a mute swan, symbolising the establishment of the Reserve. The design is surrounded by inscriptions LIETUVA (LITHUANIA), ŽUVINTAS, UNESCO, the year of issue (2021) and the mintmark of the Lithuanian Mint. The design is realised by Eglė Ratkutė and Ernestas Žemaitis. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 500 000
Date of issue: Second quarter of 2021

Subject of commemoration: Dzūkija (from the series ‘Lithuanian Ethnographic Regions’)
Description of the design: The design features a coat of arms with an armoured-clad soldier holding a halberd in his right hand and leaning with his left arm against a silver Baltic shield. The coat of arms placed on a beam is held by two lynxes. Below hangs a ribbon with a Latin inscription EX GENTE BELICOSISSIMA POPULUS LABORIOSUS (HARD-WORKING PEOPLE FROM A FIERCE TRIBE). The composition is surrounded by inscriptions LIETUVA (LITHUANIA) and DZŪKIJA, the year of issue (2021) and the mintmark of the Lithuanian Mint. The design is realised by Rolandas Rimkūnas. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 500 000
Date of issue: Third quarter of 2021

Subject of commemoration: The 100th anniversary of the Grand Duke Jean
Description of the design: The design depicts on the left hand side the effigy of the Grand Duke Jean and on the right hand side the effigy of the Grand Duke Henri. Close to each effigy, the respective name of the Grand Duke is specified, as well as the year of birth ‘1921’ of the Grand Duke Jean. Below the effigies, an outline of Luxembourg city is represented. At the left, the text ‘GROUSSHERZOGE VU LËTZEBUERG’ designating also the issuing country is depicted in circular form. The year-date ‘2021’ is shown at the bottom right. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 500 000
Date of issue: January 2021

Subject of commemoration: The 40th anniversary of the marriage of Grand Duke Henri
Description of the design: The design depicts the effigies of the Grand Duke Henri and the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. Below the effigies, two wedding rings are preceded by the wedding date ‘14. FEBRUAR 1981’ and followed by the year-date ‘2021’. The word ‘LETZEBUERG’ designating the issuing country is depicted below. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 500 000
Date of issue: February 2021

Subject of commemoration: Heroes of the pandemic
Description of the design: The design is created by Maria Anna Frisone and depicts two medical professional bracing themselves up to face the unknown. It is meant to extoll the services of these selfless individuals who have been on the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. At the top, in semi-circle, is the inscription ‘HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC’. At the bottom, in semi-circle, is the inscription ‘MALTA – 2021’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Number of coins to be issued: 72 500
Date of issue: June 2021

Subject of commemoration: Maltese prehistoric temples of Tarxien (of the series UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Description of the design: The design depicts a detail of the prehistoric structure. At the top is the inscription ‘TARXIEN TEMPLES 3600-2500 BC’. At the bottom is the name of the issuing country ‘MALTA’ and underneath it is the year of issuance ‘2021’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Number of coins to be issued: 181 000
Date of issue: October 2021

Subject of commemoration: 10th anniversary of the marriage of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene
Description of the design: The design shows the profile portraits of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. At the top, the name of the issuing country ‘MONACO’ appears. At the bottom, appears in a semi-circle the inscription ‘2011 MARIAGE PRINCIER 2021’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 15 000
Date of issue: 1 July 2021

Subject of commemoration: Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Description of the design: The design depicts the representation of the link between the capital of Portugal and the others European capitals and thereby draw a map, within the lettering ‘PRESIDÊNCIA DO CONSELHO DA UNIÃO EUROPEIA PORTUGAL 2021’ (English – PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION PORTUGAL 2021). The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 510 000
Date of issue: January 2021

Subject of commemoration: Tokyo Olympics
Description of the design: The design depicts the Portuguese Olympic Committee symbols. The design had earned the Council’s approval in 2020 as it was initially intended to be issued in mid-2020. However, Casa da Moeda and the Olympic Committee have agreed to postpone its issuance in accordance to the Games new calendar from July 23 to August 8, 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For that reason a few design details on the lettering have been updated, specifically the abbreviated two-digit format for the year 2020 (by using an apostrophe: ‘Tóquio’20’) followed by the year of issuance 2021, and finally the author’s name that appears next to the Mintmark. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 510 000
Date of issue: Middle of 2021

Subject of commemoration: The 450th anniversary of the birth of Caravaggio
Description of the design: The design depicts the penitent Magdalene, detail of the homonymous work by Caravaggio, kept at the Doria Pamphilj Gallery in Rome. At the top left is the inscription ‘SAN MARINO’, and underneath are the dates ‘1571-2021’. At the left are the initials of the author Silvia Petrassi, ‘SP’. At the top right are the inscription ‘CARAVAGGIO’ and the mintmark. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 54 000
Date of issue: 1 March 2021

Subject of commemoration: The 550th anniversary of the birth of Albrecht Dürer
Description of the design: The design depicts the Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus, detail of the painting ‘Madonna with Child’ by Albrecht Dürer, kept in the Uffizi Galleries (Florence). At the left is the inscription ‘SAN MARINO’ and the mintmark ‘R’. At the top right is the monogram ‘AD’ with the initials of Albrecht Dürer and at the right is the inscription ‘DÜRER’. At the bottom are the initials of the author Valerio De Seta, ‘VdS’, and the dates ‘1471-2021’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 54 000
Date of issue: August 2021

Subject of commemoration: The 100th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Dubček
Description of the design: The design depicts a left-profile portrait of Alexander Dubček, a leading Slovak politician whose attempt to introduce liberal reforms in Czechoslovakia in 1968 became known as the Prague Spring. Inscribed along the left edge of the coin’s inner circle is the name of the issuing country ‘SLOVENSKO’. Overlying the lower part of the portrait is the name ‘Alexander Dubček’, first name above surname, and below it are the dates of his birth ‘1921’ and death ‘1992’, one above the other. At the right edge is the year of issuance ‘2021’, and below it is the mint mark of the Kremnica Mint (Mincovňa Kremnica), consisting of the letters ‘MK’ placed between two dies. Next to the bottom right edge are the stylised initials ‘BR’, referring to the national side’s designer Branislav Ronai. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Number of coins to be issued: 1 000 000
Date of issue: November 2021

Subject of commemoration: The 200th anniversary of the establishment of Provincial Museum for Carniola, the first museum in Slovenia
Description of the design: The design was inspired by the belts from Vače Situla – one of the finest artefacts of situla art. These belts are a graphical symbol for layering history that the museum keeps for future generations. The design displays layers of the museum’s history with different names through its 200-year long history. The names are displayed in belts as they would have been if written on Vače Situla. The design includes the name of the country ‘SLOVENIJA’ and the year of issuance ‘2021’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Number of coins to be issued: 1 000 000
Date of issue: October 2021

Subject of commemoration: UNESCO - Toledo
Description of the design: The design depicts a view of the Puerta de Sol and a detail of the ‘La Sinagoga del Tránsito’, both buildings built in the fourteenth century in Mudejar style. On the left hand and in capital letters the word ‘ESPAÑA’ and the year of minting ‘2021’. At the top on the right hand the mintmark. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 4 000 000
Date of issue: February 2021

Subject of commemoration: The 450th anniversary of the birth of Caravaggio
Description of the design: The design features a boy with a basket of fruits, painted by Caravaggio. At the top, in semicircle, is the name of the issuing country ‘CITTA’ DEL VATICANO’. At the left is the mintmark ‘R’. At the bottom is the inscription ‘CARAVAGGIO’ and underneath are the years ‘1571-2021’. At the bottom right are the initials of the artist Chiara Principe, ‘CP’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 86 000
Date of issue: 1 June 2021

Subject of commemoration: The 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri
Description of the design: The design features a portrait of Dante and Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. At the top right, in semi-circle, is the name of the issuing country ‘CITTÀ DEL VATICANO’. At the bottom is the inscription ‘Dante’ and underneath are the years ‘1321-2021’ and the name of the artist ‘P. DANIELE’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 86 000
Date of issue: October 2021