2022 – Europe – 35th anniversary of Erasmus

Introduction

The €2 coin issued in 2022 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Erasmus programme is a joint issue of 19 European countries. The programme is a flagship initiative of the European Union to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. The coin pays tribute to Erasmus of Rotterdam, the eminent 16th-century humanist and theologian, whose name inspired this academic exchange programme. It highlights the importance of European cooperation in the field of education and intercultural exchange.

Coin description

The obverse of the coin features a stylized portrait of Erasmus of Rotterdam. He is depicted writing, symbolizing knowledge and learning. Erasmus’ face is turned to the left, and his expression is one of concentration and reflection. Behind him, a globe is made up of intertwined geometric patterns, symbolizing global exchange and connectivity.

To the right of the portrait, the inscriptions “1987-2022” and “ERASMUS PROGRAMME” highlight the duration and impact of the Erasmus programme. The issuing country is also inscribed on the coin. Around the outer edge of the coin, twelve stars represent the Member States of the European Union, symbolising European unity and solidarity.

The minute details of the design, including the lines and geometric patterns of the globe, demonstrate great artistic finesse. The well-defined reliefs add depth and texture to the piece, paying tribute to the importance of education and cultural exchange promoted by the Erasmus programme.

You can find the official text by clicking here.
The details of the broadcast can also be found on this link.

Different patterns offered

The coin design was voted on Twitter from 6 designs and the last one won:

Coins issued by 19 countries:

Germany

Total mintage: 17,295,000 (from 5 mints)
Proof: 180,000
BU: 115,000
UNC: 17,000,000
Rarity:

Austria

Total mintage: 1,000,000
Proof: 10,000
BU: 50,000
UNC: 940,000
Rarity:

Belgium

Total mintage: 1,000,000
Proof: 5,000
BU: 100,000
UNC: 895,000
Rarity:

Cyprus

Total circulation: 412,000
Proof: 5,000
BU: 7,000
UNC: 400,000
Rarity:

Spain

Total mintage: 1,000,000
Proof: 6,400
BU: 5,390
UNC: 988.210
Rarity:

Estonia

Total mintage: 1,000,000
Proof: 0
BU: 12,000
UNC: 988,000
Rarity:

Finland

Total circulation: 400,000
Proof: 7,000
BU: 0
UNC: 393,000
Rarity:

France

Total mintage: 3,500,000
Proof: 10,000
BU: 10,000
UNC: 3,480,000
Rarity:

Greece

Total circulation: 750,000
Proof: 1,500
BU: 3,000
UNC: 745,500
Rarity:

Ireland

Total mintage: 500,000
Proof: 0
BU: 0
UNC: 500,000
Rarity:

Italy

Total mintage: 3,000,000
Proof: 12,500
BU: 12,000
UNC: 2,975,500
Rarity:

Latvia

Total circulation: 308,000
Proof: 0
BU: 8,000
UNC: 300,000
Rarity:

Lithuania

Total mintage: 300,000
Proof: 0
BU: 0
UNC: 300,000
Rarity:

Luxembourg

Total mintage: 170,000
Proof: 2,500
BU: 7,500
UNC: 160,000
Rarity:

Malta

Total mintage: 82,500
Proof: 0
BU: 20,000
UNC: 62,500
Rarity:

Netherlands

Total circulation: 577,500
Proof: 2,500
BU: 75,000
UNC: 500,000
Rarity:

Portugal

Total circulation: 765,000
Proof: 7,500
BU: 7,500
UNC: 750,000
Rarity:

Slovakia

Total mintage: 1,000,000
Proof: 5,000
BU: 2,000
UNC: 993,000
Rarity:

Slovenia

Total mintage: 1,000,000
Proof: 2,500
BU: 0
UNC: 997,500
Rarity:

Additionally, the following countries did not issue the coin:
– Andorra
– Monaco
– San Marino
– Vatican

Conclusion

In summary, the €2 coin issued in 2022 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Erasmus programme is a joint issue of 19 European countries. It pays tribute to Erasmus of Rotterdam and to the values ​​of education and European cooperation. The design of the coin, with its detailed portrait and geometric patterns, embodies the principles of global knowledge and connectivity. In this way, this commemorative coin illustrates the European Union’s commitment to education and intercultural exchange, strengthening ties between member countries.

Do you want to know the technical specifications of this coin? Feel free to visit the page dedicated to the specifications of a 2-euro coin.