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Commemorative coin of the Kingdom of Belgium 2 euros, issued in 2005. Dedicated to the Belgian-Luxembourg Economic Union (BLEU). This was the first commemorative coin of Belgium in the 2 euros series. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g. The author of the design is Luc Luycx, one of the most famous Belgian medal artists, the author of the common side of the euro coins.
Obverse
In the center of the coin is a double portrait (effigy) of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg Henri on the right and King of Belgium Albert II on the left, facing each other. The effigies are made in a classic medallion style. Below the image is the monogram "UEBL - BLEU" (Union Économique Belgique-Luxembourg — Belgisch-Luxemburgse Economische Unie). On the left and right are the years "1921" and "2005", as well as the mint and engraver's marks. 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 first type (until 2007), designed by Luc Luix. On the left is the denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map of the European Union with the borders of the member states at the time of issue (1999). On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the EU. The band has a fine groove with the inscription "2 ★ ★", repeated six times alternately in the forward and reverse positions.
Historical context
The Belgo-Luxembourg Economic Union (BLEU) is an economic union created on 25 July 1921 between the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It is one of the oldest economic unions in Europe. The union introduced a common exchange rate between the Belgian franc and the Luxembourgish franc, and also abolished customs barriers between the two countries. The BLEU became the prototype of later European integration structures, such as the Benelux (1944) and the European Community. The 2005 coin commemorated important dates: the 35th anniversary of Henri's accession to the throne of Luxembourg (1964) and the 25th anniversary of Albert II's reign in Belgium (1993), as well as the long-standing friendship between the two peoples.