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2 euro commemorative coin of the Principality of Andorra, issued in 2021 in a circulation of 70,000 copies in coincard packaging. Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the coronation of Our Lady of Meritxell. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g. Minted at the Pessac Mint.
Obverse
The foreground of the coin depicts a reproduction of a Romanesque carved statue of Our Lady of Meritxell (Mare de Déu de Meritxell) — the patron saint of the Principality of Andorra — dating from the 11th–12th centuries. In the background is a partial reproduction of the basilica-sanctuary in which it is located, as well as a graphic element symbolizing a flower, the name of the issuing country "ANDORRA" and the years "1921–2021". On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix. A map of Europe without internal borders, on the left is the denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map of the continent. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the EU. On the band is a groove with the inscription "2 ★ ★", repeated six times.
Historical context
The Romanesque statue of Our Lady of Meritxell (Mare de Déu de Meritxell) has been kept in a small chapel in the Vals de Meritxell valley since the 12th century and was revered as the patron saint of Andorra. Her canonical coronation took place on 8 September 1921 - this date became the national holiday of Andorra (Dia de Meritxell). On 8 September 1972, the original statue was destroyed by fire, but a copy was saved and is housed in the new Basilica of Mericel, built by architect Ricardo Bofill and inaugurated in 1976. The Basilica of Mericel is the most important religious center of the Principality, and the cult of Our Lady of Mericel is an important component of the cultural and spiritual identity of the Andorrans.