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Commemorative coin of the Kingdom of Belgium, issued in 2006 in a circulation of 5 million copies. Dedicated to the renovation of the Atomium in Brussels. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g. The author of the design is Luc Luix.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a realistic silhouette of the Atomium - nine steel spheres interconnected by 20 tubes, forming a model of an elementary cell of the iron crystal lattice, magnified 165 billion times. On the left is the initial of the King of Belgium "Albert II" - the letter "A" under the crown. On the right are the mint marks (the helmeted head of the Archangel Michael - the symbol of the Brussels Mint) and the mint master's mark. At the bottom is the year of issue "2006". 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, 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 borders. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the EU. On the band is a fine ribbing with the inscription "2 ★ ★", repeated six times.
Historical context
The Atomium is a 102-meter-high steel monument built in Brussels for the Expo 58 World Exhibition. The structure, designed by architect André Waterken and engineers René Sasportas and Jean and André Polak, is a model of the unit cell of the iron crystal lattice 165 billion times larger. Nine spheres connected by tubes symbolize the peaceful use of atomic energy, an important theme of the post-war era. After Expo 58, the Atomium, which was originally intended to be temporary, became a permanent symbol of Brussels. In 2004–2006, the monument underwent a complete restoration costing over 26 million euros, replacing the aluminum covering of the spheres with stainless steel and updating the interiors. The coin commemorates this renovation.