2 Euro Commemorative Coins

2-euro commemorative coins are special legal-tender coins issued by Euro Area member countries. Some smaller states, such as Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, also issue them through monetary agreements.

They retain the same technical characteristics—size, metal composition, and common reverse design—as regular 2 euro coins, but feature unique commemorative designs on the national side. They have been in circulation since 2004, marking important anniversaries or celebrating significant cultural and historical events both at national and European levels.

While most Eurozone states issue these coins periodically, Italy, Finland, Luxembourg, San Marino, and Vatican City stand out for having released at least one commemorative 2 euro coin each year, building up a particularly rich series over time. Generally, each issuing authority can produce up to two different 2 euro commemorative coins per year, although there are exceptions for joint issues among all Euro Area countries or other special occasions.

Do not confuse 2 euro commemorative coins—which circulate freely and can be used for purchases in all Eurozone countries—with other commemorative issues that have a face value above 2 euros. Minted in precious metals like gold and/or silver, those higher-value coins are often designed primarily for collectors rather than for everyday transactions.

2 euro commemorative coins: 2004 Coniage

Below is a revised version, following the “Rielabora l’articolo” protocol and including additional clarifications where helpful:

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The first 2 euro commemorative coin in the Eurozone was minted by Greece in 2004 to celebrate the Athens Olympic Games. This special edition depicts an ancient statue of a discus thrower (often associated with the “Discobolus of Myron”) in the moment just before launching. To the left, the inscription “ATHENS 2004” and the five Olympic rings appear, while on the right side is the denomination “2 ΕΥΡΩ”. This design replaces the usual national side of the 2 euro coin, but retains the common reverse used by all Euro Area countries.

The 2 euro commemorative of 2004 most requested by collectors are the Finnish ones, minted in 1,000,000 copies and distributed only in Finnish territory, therefore difficult to find.

The image on the obverse of this coin represents a stylized pillar from which ten buds rise. The shoots represent the enlargement of the European Union with the entry of 10 new states. The value of these 2 euro commemorative can reach 50 euros, for coins well preserved.

Italian 2 euro commemorative coins

Although the euro is a relatively recent coin, some of the 2-euro commemorative coins may have a value greater than the nominal circulation, due to their rarity.

Italian 2 euro commemorative coin with Carabinieri (2014)

Speaking about the commemorative 2 euro coins minted in Italy there is another coin that is certainly worthy of note.The commemorative 2 euro coin issued in 2014 celebrates the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Arma dei Carabinieri. On the obverse, this rare coin represented a reinterpretation of the sculpture “Pattuglia di Carabinieri nel tormenta” with the dates 1814 and 2014 respectively on the left and on the right and the words “CARABINIERI” below.

2 euro Italian commemorative coins with Galileo Galileo

Also in 2014, another commemorative 2 euro coin was issued for the 450th anniversary of the birth of Galileo Galilei. On the obverse is a portrait of Galileo, surmounted by the inscription “GALILEO GALILEI” and flanked by a telescope. Below the dates of birth and issue (1564 – 2014).

2 euro commemorative Italy 2009 UEM

Difficult to find are also the two commemorative 2-euro coins minted in 2009. They have a circulation of only 2,000,000 copies and are dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the Economic and Monetary Union and the other to the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille.

The design of the 2-euro EMU currency, common to all member states, represents the transition from barter to the Economic and Monetary Union. It is represented by the stylized and primitive man whose arm lengthens to become part of the Euro symbol. This coin can have a value of 3.50 euros.

2 euro commemorative coin Italian 2009 Braille

The obverse of the 2-euro commemorative coin for the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille’s birth shows a hand in a reading position on a book’s page. Two flying seagulls above the hand symbolize free and universal knowledge.

The word “LOUIS BRAILLE 1809 – 2009” stands vertically, while, below, the name of Louis Braille written with the relief writing system (Alphabet Braille). This coin, infrequent, if in MINT quality can have a value of about 4 euros.

2 euro commemorative coin: Italy 2007 Treaty of Rome

Even the commemorative 2 euro coins issued by Italy in 2007 and 2008 are quite difficult to find. This is because they have a circulation of 5,000,000 and 2,500,000 copies respectively. However, they reach a value of 5 euros that of 2007 and 4 euros that of 2008.

The 2007 2-euro coin features a common design for all member states. It depicts the treaty signed by the six original member countries of the ECSC, which later became the EEC and eventually the EU.

The background of this rare coin features the floor of Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome, designed by Michelangelo, where the treaty was signed.

2 euro commemorative Italian 2008 Human Rights

The 2-euro coin of 2008 was issued to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Show on the right a man and a woman with an olive branch, an ear of corn, a rack and barbed wire. In the center stands the initials RI of “Italian Republic” and in the lower part a cartouche with the inscription “HUMAN RIGHTS”.

2 euro commemorative Italian 2016 Donatello

In 2016, authorities issued two commemorative versions of the 2-euro coin. Each had a circulation of 1,500,000 copies and was dedicated to the 550th anniversary of Donatello’s death and the 2200th anniversary of Plautus’s death.

On the obverse of the coin dedicated to Donatello appears the head of David di Donatello, with the dates “1466 – 2016” and the word “DONATELLO” below. This coin can reach a value of 5 euros, if in quality FdC (uncirculated MINT).

2 euro commemorative Italians 2016 Plautus

The 2-euro commemorative coin for the 2,200th anniversary of Plautus’s death shows two theatrical masks taken from a 2nd century mosaic B.C. Guarded in the Capitoline Museums.

Above the two arched masks, we see the plan of construction of a Roman theater with the monogram “RI” of the Italian Republic and below the masks the dates “184 A.C.” and “2016” and the inscription “PLAUTO”. The value of this coin is around 3 euros if in excellent condition.

Foreign 2 euro commemorative

Enthusiasts highly seek many of the 2-euro commemorative coins from other European countries. These can reach, when in MINT quality (Fior di Conio), quotations worthy of note.

The value of these commemorative 2-euro coins depends not only on their often limited circulation. It also relies on the fact that many were immediately circulated, making FDC (mint) examples harder to find.

Belgium issued two commemorative euros in 2005, and nearly all of them were immediately circulated. This results in a value ranging between 6 and 18 euros. If the coin has been circulated and shows wear, its value does not exceed 3 euros.

On the obverse are the profiles of Grand Duke Henry and King Albert II of Belgium.

Germany issued the first two commemorative euro coins in 2006 as part of the series dedicated to the German Länder.

On the obverse is the “Holstentor”, the symbolic gateway to the city of Lübeck, with the words “SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN” on the bottom and the words “BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND” on the outer ring.

If MINT quality can reach a value of 10 euros.

The 2 euro commemorative coins issued in 2007 by Slovenia are worth a little less, with a circulation of 400,000 pieces, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome.

With a value of around 7-8 euros, even the 2 euro commemorative of Luxembourg 2010 are among the most sought after, as well as the two Dutch euros of 2011, dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the publication of the Erotica of Erasmo from Rotterdam, which reach the value of 13 euros.

Special 2 euro Commemorative Coins

Some small non-EU countries still use the euro as money and have entered into agreements with member states to issue 2-euro commemorative coins.

2 euro commemorative Coin of Vatican City

The commemorative 2 euro coins issued by the Vatican are very rare and sought after by collectors. The reason? Their limited edition never exceeds 125,000 copies. It follows that the value of these commemorative 2 euro coins can reach considerable figures.

The mint issued many of these coins only as divisional series, produced and sold in boxes for collectors, rather than for normal circulation.

The 2 euro commemorative 2005 issued by Vatican City, for example, having a circulation of only 100,000 copies, reach a value of even 250 euros.

On the obverse of this coin is the Cologne cathedral dominated by a comet and the inscription “GIORNATA MONDIALE DELLA GIOVENTÙ”.

The commemorative 2 euro coin coined by the Vatican in 2006 also has a circulation of 100,000 copies. Reaches an approximate value of 180 euros on the market.

This coin commemorates the 500th anniversary of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. The obverse depicts a new Swiss Guard recruit swearing loyalty to the Pope and the Sacred College of Cardinals.

In the circle there are the words “GUARDIA SVIZZERA PONTIFICIA” and “CITTÀ DEL VATICANO”, while on the sides of the guard the dates “1506” and “2006”.

2 euro commemorative of San Marino

Despite the emissions of 2 euro commemorative of san marino are addressed to collectors, some pieces are put into circulation. The value of these coins is slightly lower than those from the Vatican. However, they still reach respectable figures, such as the 2-euro commemorative coin of 2004 dedicated to the numismatist Bartolomeo Borghesi.

This coin can be worth up to about € 139 sold in the official BU folder and depicts the portrait of Bartolomeo Borghesi.

Even the 2 euro issued in 2005 on the occasion of the International Year of Physics reach a value of 119 euros if the quality of the FdC.

2 euro commemorative of Andorra

Even the small state of Andorra began in 2014 to issue euro and then commemorative 2 euro coins. As with other small states, the circulation of these coins is very limited. It has reached its high right in 2014 with 100,000 copies.

It follows that the 2 euro Andorran commemorative are classified as NC (uncommon). The market reaches a value ranging from 45 euros for the 2014 currency to the 25 euros of the most recent.

2 euro commemorative of the Principality of Monaco

The Principality of Monaco holds the record for the rarest commemorative 2 euro coin ever issued. With a circulation of only 20,001 copies, in 2007 the Principality issued the commemorative “Grace Kelly” 2 euro coin, only in a collector’s box.

Immediately after the issue, these 2 euro commemorative coins, which were very difficult to find, reached a very high price. In the end, they stood at the current figure of 1500 euros for the box set with the quality currency MINT.

Some “Grace Kelly” however are in circulation, even if very rarely. Presenting signs of wear, the value of this commemorative 2-euro coin goes down to around 600 euros.

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