Catalog
| Issuer | Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Year | 2015 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Value | 2 Euros |
| Currency | Euro (2002-date) |
| Composition | Bimetallic: nickel centre in copper-nickel ring |
| Weight | 8.5 g |
| Diameter | 25.75 mm |
| Thickness | 2.2 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled, Colored |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Obverse: Geórgios Stamatópoulos Reverse: Luc Luycx |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) |
| Obverse description | The designs show the European Union flag colored in blue as a symbol that unites people and cultures with shared visions and ideals for a better common future. Twelve stars that morph into human figures are embracing the birth of a new Europe. At the top right, in a semi-circle, are the issuing country and the years 1985-2015’. At the bottom right are the initials of the artist (Georgios Stamatopoulos). The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek, Latin |
| Obverse lettering | NEDERLAND 1985-2015 ΓΣ |
| Reverse description | A map, next to the face value, shows the European continent without borders. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | 2 EURO LL |
| Edge | Reeded with inscription |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
2015 - Proof - 1 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 1002825150 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued by the Netherlands in 2015, this 2 Euro commemorative coin marks the 30th anniversary of the European flag's adoption by the European Communities. Under the reign of King Willem-Alexander, this coin is part of a common series released by all Eurozone member states, underscoring a shared commitment to European integration. The flag, with its twelve golden stars on a blue background, was formally adopted in 1985 as the official emblem, symbolizing unity, solidarity, and harmony among the peoples of Europe, a pivotal moment in the continent's post-war identity formation.
Artistry: The coin's design, common to all issuing nations, was created by the Greek engraver Georgios Stamatopoulos. Belonging to a modern, symbolic stylistic school, the central motif dynamically depicts the European flag being embraced by a circle of stylized human figures. These figures represent the diverse peoples of Europe, collectively building a new Europe. The stars of the flag appear to emanate from this human embrace, reinforcing the idea that European unity is a grassroots endeavor, born from its citizens. The issuing country's name, "NEDERLAND," and the commemorative years "1985-2015" are subtly integrated into the design.
Technical/Grading: This bimetallic coin, weighing 8.5 grams and measuring 25.75 millimeters, features a nickel center within a copper-nickel ring. For optimal grading, collectors should examine the high-points, particularly the faces and hands of the stylized human figures, and the crispness of the individual star points on the flag. A strong strike will exhibit full definition in these areas, along with a clean, sharp transition between the inner core and the outer ring. Any weakness often appears as softness in the finer details of the figures or the flag's stars, diminishing the coin's overall visual impact and grade.