€2 commemorative coins - 2017

Feature: Andorra – The Pyrenean country

Description: The design reproduces on its upper part a triangle, consisting of three undulating strips representing a simplified version of the map of the country, with the inscriptions ‘Andorra’ and ‘EL PAÍS DELS PIRINEUS’ (the Pyrenean country). These three elements make up the brand owned by the Government of Andorra, which is used to provide a uniform, consistent and coordinated image to all graphic communication and, at the same time, achieve an unmistakable and instant identification. The lower part of the design depicts the year of issuance ‘2017’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 85 000 coins

Issuing date: December 2017

Feature: 100 years of the anthem of Andorra

Description: The design depicts a partial reproduction of the anthem of Andorra published in 1914. The central part of the design reproduces the first notes of the anthem flanked by an ornamentation of floral style and the inscription ‘Himne Andorrà’ (Andorran anthem). The upper part of the design shows the year of issuance ‘2017’ and the inscription ‘100 anys de l’himne d’Andorra’ (100 years of the anthem of Andorra). This coin commemorates the 100th anniversary of its admission as the national anthem of Andorra by agreement of the Consell General (Andorran Parliament) of 2 April 1917. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 85 000 coins

Issuing date: December 2017

Feature: Solidarity and peace

Description: The coin’s theme centres on the concept of solidarity and peace. The design was created by a school student and depicts two children holding the Maltese flag with the dove of peace flying over them. At the bottom is the name of the issuing country ‘Malta’ and at the right side is the year of issuance ‘2017’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 380 000 coins

Issuing date: November 2017

Feature: Carabiniers du Prince (‘Carabiniers’ of the Prince)

Description: The design shows a CARABINIER and in the background the Palace of Monaco. At the top is the inscription ‘MONACO’ flanked by the mintmark and the mint master mark. At the bottom are the years ‘1817-2017’ and underneath the inscription ‘CARABINIERS DU PRINCE’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 15 000 coins

Issuing date: November 2017

Feature: 150 years of the birth of writer Raul Brandão

Description: The design shows the face of Raul Brandão. At the left side is the inscription RAUL BRANDÃO and underneath the years ‘1867’ and ‘2017’. At the bottom right is the inscription of the country of issuance ‘PORTUGAL’ and at the top right is the name of the author ‘LUIS FILIPE DE ABREU’ followed by the mintmark ‘INCM’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 520 000 coins

Issuing date: November 2017

Feature: Latgale

Description: The design shows the coat of arms of the region of Latgale. At the top, the name of the issuing country ‘LATVIJA’ and at the bottom the inscription ‘LATGALE’. At the right hand side, the year of issuance ‘2017’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 530 000 coins

Issuing date: October 2017

Feature: The 200th anniversary of the Grand Duke Guillaume III

Description: The design shows on the left hand the effigy of His Royal Highness, the Grand-Duke Henri, looking to the left and on the right hand the effigy of HRH the Grand-Duke Guillaume III. At the top of the design is depicted the year-date ‘2017’. At the bottom appears the text ‘GRANDS-DUCS DE LUXEMBOURG’. The name ‘GUILLAUME III’ followed by the indication of the year of birth ‘*1817’ is depicted above the respective effigy. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 500 000 coins

Issuing date: October 2017

Feature: Centenary of the Fatima apparitions

Description: The design features the three young shepherds to whom Mary appeared, on the background the Sanctuary of Fatima. At the top is the inscription ‘CITTÀ DEL VATICANO’ in semi-circle and right under is the year ‘1917’. Underneath the year, from left to right, is the inscription ‘FATIMA 2017’. At the left side is the mintmark ‘R’ and at the bottom the name of the designer ‘O.ROSSI’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 105 000 coins

Issuing date: October 2017

Feature: The Finnish nature

Description: The inner part of the coin has a design forming a cartographic likeness of the moon seen from Harmaja, Finland. On the top of the moon there is a crow sitting on a branch. The year of issuance ‘2017’ is placed at the center bottom. At the center left is the indication of the issuing country ‘FI’. The mint mark is placed center right. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 500 000 coins

Issuing date: October 2017

Feature: Paphos 2017 – European Capital of Culture

Description: The design shows the ‘Paphos Ancient Odeon’, a small amphiteatre dating back to the 2nd century AD. Nowadays it is used in the summer for musical theatrical performances and it will be the venue of a number of events to be held within the program of ‘Paphos 2017 – European Capital of Culture’. The issuing country’s name ‘ΚΥΠΡΟΣ KIBRIS’ and the phrase ‘Πάφος 2017 – Πολιτιστική πρωτεύουσα Ευρώπης’ (i.e. Paphos 2017 – European capital of Culture) are inscribed on the inner part of the national side of the coin. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 430 000 coins

Issuing date: September 2017

Feature: 25th anniversary of the pink ribbon, symbol of the fight against breast cancer

Description: Since the 1990s, the fight against breast cancer has been a major cause around the world. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the pink ribbon, iconic symbol of this fight, Monnaie de Paris has decided to support this cause. For nearly 15 years, a pink ribbon prize has been presented every year to support research efforts and innovation.

The design represents a woman’s bust symbolically protected by a hand and the ribbon. It is surrounded, at the right side, by the inscription ‘25e ANNIVERSAIRE DU RUBAN ROSE’ (25th anniversary of the pink ribbon). The right side also features the years ‘1992 – 2017’, the indication of the issuing country ‘RF’ and the mintmarks. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 10 000 000 coins

Issuing date: September 2017

Feature: 200th anniversary of the Ghent University

Description: The inner part of the piece represents the logo of the Ghent University, with the dates 1817 - 2017 below, surrounded by the inscription 200 JAAR UNIVERSITEIT GENT – 200 YEARS GHENT UNIVERSITY and the country indication BE. The mintmark of Brussels, a helmeted head of the Archangel Michael, and the mint directors’ mintmark, the coat of arms of the municipality Herzele, are located respectively on the right and left of the country indication. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 200 000 coins

Issuing date: September 2017

Feature: International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

Description: The design shows in the center Planet Earth surrounded by waves; to the right a circle with the letter A, symbol of the designer Andrew Lewis. Arched, above the writing “TURISMO SOSTENIBILE”, below “SAN MARINO” and the year “2017”; to the right the initials of the engraver Uliana Pernazza “UP INC.”; to the left the letter “R” of the Italian Mint which took care of the mintage.

The United Nations General Assembly approved the adoption of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The idea of sustainable Tourism indicates a kind of travelling that respects the planet, it doesn’t alter the natural, social and artistic environment and it doesn’t inhibit the growth of social and economic activities. It is a kind of tourism opposite to mass tourism and it tends to promote the weakest economies. The Republic of San Marino dedicated a 2 euro commemorative coin, designed by the Canadian artist Andrew Lewis to this theme, in order to promote a new mentality and to encourage tourists’ respect for environment. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 70 500 coins

Issuing date: September 2017

Feature: Kurzeme

Description: The design shows the coat of arms of the region of Kurzeme. At the top, the name of the issuing country "LATVIJA" and at the bottom the inscription "KURZEME". At the right hand side, the year of issuance "2017". The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 530 000 coins

Issuing date: September 2017

Feature: Vilnius

Description: The design shows a fragment of the Vilnius city panorama. At the left side is the inscription ‘VILNIUS’ and the mark of the designer. At the top right is the name of the issuing country ‘LIETUVA’ and the year of issuance ‘2017’. At the centre is the mintmark. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 1 000 000 coins

Issuing date: July 2017

Feature: Estonia's Independence

Description: The coin features the sinuous trunk of an oak tree where on one side there are depicted the branches and on the other side the leaves. The branches symbolize the time of revolutions and hardships from which the road to Estonia's Independence was paved. The leaves symbolize the strength, achievements and longevity of Estonia. At the bottom left side of the trunk there is the word ‘MAAPÄEV’ (Provisional Assembly of Estonia) and above that the year ‘1917’. At the bottom right side there is the name of the issuing country ‘EESTI’ and below that the year of issuance ‘2017’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 1 500 000 coins

Issuing date: July 2017

Feature: 60 years in memoriam of Nikos Kazantzakis

Description: The design features a profile portrait of Nikos Kazantzakis, one of Greece’s greatest 20th century writers. Inscribed along the inner circle, at the left, is the wording ‘HELLENIC REPUBLIC’ and the name ‘NIKOS KAZANTZAKIS’ (in Greek). At the top is the year of issuance ‘2017’ and at centre left a palmette (the mint mark of the Greek Mint). Also visible at lower right is the monogram of the artist (George Stamatopoulos). The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 750 000 coins

Issuing date: July 2017

Feature: Archaeological site of Philippi

Description: The design features part of Basilica B and linear motifs inspired by a border pattern from an ancient Greek mosaic discovered at the site. Inscribed along the inner circle is the wording ‘ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF PHILIPPI’ and ‘HELLENIC REPUBLIC’ (in Greek). Also inscribed in the background is the year of issuance ‘2017’ and to the right a palmette (the mint mark of the Greek Mint). Visible at the lower left is the monogram of the artist (George Stamatopoulos). The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 750 000 coins

Issuing date: July 2017

Feature: 150 Years of Public Security

Description: The design shows human figures and buildings, symbolic representations of citizens and cities, where the public security is mainly assured and the simplified police symbol. The legends include the year ‘1867’ and the year of issue ‘2017’, the country of issue ‘PORTUGAL’, the subject of commemoration (‘SEGURANÇA PÚBLICA’ – Public Security), the three main issues related to citizenship (‘DIREITOS’, ‘LIBERDADES’ e ‘GARANTIAS’ – Rights, Freedoms and Warranties), and the author’s name JOSÉ DE GUIMARÃES. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 520 000 coins

Issuing date: July 2017

Feature: 1950th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Description: The design features Saint Peter and Saint Paul and their symbols, respectively the keys and the sword. At the top is the inscription ‘CITTÀ DEL VATICANO’, in semi-circle. At the bottom, in semi-circle is the inscription ‘1950o DEL MARTIRIO DEI SANTI PIETRO E PAOLO’. At the bottom left is the year of issuance ‘2017’ and at the bottom right is the mint mark ‘R’. Between them is the name of the artist ‘G. TITOTTO’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 105 000 coins

Issuing date: June 2017

Feature: Unesco World Heritage Site: Maltese prehistoric temples of Hagar Qim

Description: The coin depicts the prehistoric temples of Hagar Qim. At the top right the inscriptions ‘HAGAR QIM’, ‘TEMPLES’ and the years ‘3600-3200 BC’ one under the other. At the bottom left the name of the country of issuance ‘MALTA’ and underneath the year of issuance ‘2017’. At the bottom right the initials ‘NGB’ of the artist Noel Galea Bason. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 405 000 coins

Issuing date: June 2017

Feature: Independent Finland 100 years

Description: The inner part of the coin has a mosaic design, with the more sparsely set pieces on the right forming a cartographic likeness of Finland. The text ‘SUOMI FINLAND’, the year of independence ‘1917’ and the year of issuance ‘2017’ are placed vertically one below another at the left. In the middle right is the indication of the issuing country ‘FI’ and the mint mark. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 2.5 million coins

Issuing date: April 2017

Feature: Bimillenary of the death of Titus Livius

Description: Bust of the Roman historian Titus Livius, taken from a work by Lorenzo Larese Moretti; on the left the logo of the Italian Republic ‘RI’, and ‘C.M.’ initials of the author Claudia Momoni; on the right ‘17’ and ‘2017’, respectively year of the death of Livius and year of the issue of the coin, and the mintmark of the Mint of Rome ‘R’; around circle of dots and the inscription ‘TITO • LIVIO’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 1.5 million coins

Issuing date: April 2017

Feature: 200th anniversary of the University of Liège

Description: The inner part of the piece represents the logo of the University of Liege, with the dates 1817 — 2017 below, surrounded by the inscription 200 ANS UNIVERSITE DE LIEGE — 200 YEARS UNIVERSITY OF LIEGE and the country indication BE. The mintmark of Brussels, a helmeted head of the Archangel Michael and the mint directors’ mintmark, the coat of arms of the municipality Herzele, are located respectively on the right and left of the country indication. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 200 000 coins

Issuing date: April 2017

Feature: 750th anniversary of the birth of Giotto

Description: On the left a detail from the clock tower of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, one of Giotto’s architectural works; vertically, the words SAN MARINO, GIOTTO and the dates 1267-2017; on the right a detail from the portrait of Giotto and the abbreviation of the artist Luciana De Simoni (LDS); on the bottom, the letter R, indicating the ‘Zecca’ (mint) of Rome. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 80 000 coins

Issuing date: March 2017

Feature: Unesco’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites – Churches of the Kingdom of Asturias

Description: The design depicts in the foreground Santa Maria del Naranco Church. At the top of the inner circle and in circular sense is the name of the issuing country ‘ESPAÑA’ and underneath, to the right, the year of issuance ‘2017’. At the left side of the inner circle is the mint mark. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 4 million coins

Issuing date: February 2017

Feature: Rhineland-Palatinate (‘Federal States’ (Bundesländer) series)

Description: The design shows the Porta Nigra in Trier which is probably the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps. The inner part also features the name ‘RHEINLAND-PFALZ’ and the issuing country’s code ‘D’ at the bottom. The mint mark of the respective mint (‘A’, ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘G’ or ‘J’) appears at the left and the year ‘2017’ appears at the top. At the right, the initials of the designer ‘CH’ (Chocola Frantisek). The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 30 million coins

Issuing date: February 2017

Feature: The 550th anniversary of the University Istropolitana

Description: The design shows the figure of a teacher and two students positioned before the facade of the building of the former Universitas Istropolitana in Bratislava. In the upper left of the design is a medallion of King Matthias Corvinus, the founder of the university. Above the medallion is the inscription ‘1467’, the year in which the university was opened. The country of issuance ‘SLOVENSKO’ appears at the base of the inner circle, above the year of issuance ‘2017’. Along the left edge of the inner circle is the inscription ‘UNIVERZITA’, and along the right edge ‘ISTROPOLITANA’. In the lower left of the design is the mint mark of the Kremnica Mint (Mincovňa Kremnica), consisting of the initials ‘MK’ placed between two dies. Below the mint mark are the stylised letters ‘MP’, the initials of the designer, Mária Poldaufová. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 1 million coins

Issuing date: January 2017

Feature: The 10th anniversary of the euro in Slovenia

Description: The design shows 10 flying swallows which form a circle. At the lower half, in semi-circle, the inscription ‘10 LET SKUPNE EVROPSKE VALUTE’. At the top left the inscription ‘SLOVENIJA 2017’. Between the isncriptions is engraved a dot. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 1 million coins

Issuing date: January 2017

Feature: Centenary of Auguste Rodin

Description: For the 100th anniversary of his passing away, Monnaie de Paris pays tribute to the illustrious French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Born in 1840, he is one of the major icons of the realistic style. His works such as The Thinker, The Kiss, The Hell’s Door or The Calais’ Bourgeois remain timeless masterpieces of the world sculpture. The design represents Auguste Rodin and The Thinker, his best known work, like forehead to forehead. The RF mention standing for République Française is drawn as sculpted on the top of the coin. The name of the artist ‘A. Rodin’ and the relevant dates ‘1917-2017’ are inscribed in his beard. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 10 million coins

Issuing date: January 2017

Feature: The 50th anniversary of the voluntariness of the Luxembourg army

Description: The design shows on the right hand the effigy of His Royal Highness, the Grand-Duke Henri, looking to the right and on the left hand the text ‘50 Joer Fräiwëllegen-Arméi’ composed as logo. At the top of the design is depicted the year-date ‘2017’, flanked by the mintmark and the initials of the Mintmaster. At the bottom appears the name of the issuing country ‘LËTZEBUERG’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 500 000 coins

Issuing date: January 2017

Feature: 400th Anniversary of the completion of the Basilica of San Marco in Venice

Description: Façade of the Basilica of San Marco in Venice; in the exergue the dates ‘1617’ and ‘2017’, respectively year of the completion of the Basilica and year of the issue of the coin, beside the logo of the Italian Republic ‘RI’; below the inscription ‘SAN MARCO’; on the right ‘LDS’, initials of the author Luciana De Simoni; on the top the inscription ‘VENEZIA’, and the mintmark of the Mint of Rome ‘R’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issuing volume: 1.5 million coins

Issuing date: January 2017