Two-Euro Ticker: New €2 Coins in January 2025
By Sebastian Wieschowski
While the World Money Fair provided many €2 collectors with an excellent opportunity to update their collections, one topic in particular has captured the numismatic community’s attention: Greece has withdrawn one of its two previously announced themes for the 2025 €2 commemorative coins. Instead of celebrating the 100th birthday of Manos Hadjidakis, the coin will now honour the 200th anniversary of the death of Laskarina Bouboulina. It appears that officials at the Greek Ministry of Finance realised in time that featuring two male musicians in a single issuance year might not reflect creative diversity in theme selection nor align with contemporary values of gender equality.
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The freedom fighter Laskarina Bouboulina makes a surprising appearance on a Greek €2 coin in 2025, after the country had originally planned to feature two male musicians. Photo: IETA.
Germany: Saar Loop in Saarland
On 16 January 2025, Germany issued a €2 commemorative coin dedicated to the famous Saar Loop in Saarland. This striking natural landmark symbolises the region’s impressive river landscape. The mintage was 30,000,000 coins in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) quality, with no Proof version released.
Slovakia: 100 Years of the First International Sports Tournament on Slovak Soil
On 20 January 2025, Slovakia issued a €2 commemorative coin marking the 100th anniversary of hosting its first international sports tournament. The coin commemorates the 1925 Ice Hockey European Championship, a milestone in Slovak sports history. The mintage was 1,000,000 coins in BU quality, with no Proof version produced.
A new coin card from Belgium celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Lottery. Photo: herdenkingsmunten.be.
Belgium: 100 Years of the National Lottery
On 23 January 2025, Belgium issued a €2 commemorative coin celebrating the centenary of the National Lottery. The coin honours the lottery’s long history of supporting social projects across the country. It was minted in a quantity of 150,000 BU coins and 4,000 Proof coins.
Estonia: 500 Years of the First Printed Text in Estonian
On 30 January 2025, Estonia issued a €2 commemorative coin marking the 500th anniversary of the first printed text in the Estonian language. This historic event represents a significant milestone in Estonia’s cultural and literary heritage. The coin had a mintage of 858,500 BU coins, with no Proof version issued.
Looking Ahead
On 5 February 2025, Italy plans to issue a €2 commemorative coin in honour of the Holy Year 2025, celebrating this significant religious event. The planned mintage is 2,985,500 BU coins and 14,500 Proof coins.
France will release a €2 commemorative coin on 18 March 2025 to honour the world-renowned Louvre Museum. The coin will highlight the Louvre’s global cultural significance and its status as a major art collection. The planned mintage is 300,000 BU coins and 15,000 Proof coins. The first coin cards were already available at the World Money Fair.
Belgium is set to issue another €2 commemorative coin in 2025, celebrating the iconic Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit. Known for its challenging curves and importance in international motorsport, this legendary track is considered one of the world’s most iconic racing circuits.
