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Commemorative coin of the Kingdom of Belgium, issued in 2012. Dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Queen Elisabeth Music Competition. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g. Reverse - the common side of the 2 euro coins.
Obverse
In the center of the coin is the official emblem of the Queen Elisabeth Music Competition - a stylized lyre or royal symbol associated with the Queen-patron. In the upper part - the inscription "1937–2012", which emphasizes the 75th anniversary of the foundation. On the left - the country code "BE", on the right - "QUEEN ELISABETH COMPETITION". Below - the mint mark and the mint master. On the outer ring - 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 - the denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right - a map. On the outer ring - 12 stars of the EU. On the band - a groove with the inscription "2 ★ ★", repeated six times.
Historical context
The Queen Elisabeth Music Competition (Concours musical international Reine Elisabeth de Belgique / Koningin Elisabethwedstrijd) is one of the most prestigious international music competitions in the world, founded in 1937 by Queen Elisabeth of Belgium (1876–1965). Originally called the "Izayev Competition" in honor of the outstanding Belgian violinist Eugene Izayev, it received its current name in 1951. The competition is held annually in Brussels and is dedicated to different categories in turn: violin, piano, singing and cello. Over the years, the winners of the competition have been such outstanding musicians as David Oistrakh (1937), Leonid Kogan (1951), Vladimir Ashkenazi (1956), Mikhail Kugel, Eduard Kunz and many others. The competition is of great importance for world classical music and the beginning of the international career of young talents.