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2 euro commemorative coin of the Republic of Estonia, issued in 2021 in a circulation of 1,000,000 copies. The first coin in the "National Symbols of Estonia" series, dedicated to the wolf. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a full-length wolf (Canis lupus) on a natural background. The design conveys the nobility and wildness of the animal - the national symbol of Estonia. Around, in a circle, are the inscriptions "HUNT" (wolf in Estonian) and "EESTI 2021". The Estonian Mint mark. 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 Luiks. Depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders. On the left is a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union. The band is finely fluted and has a national inscription.
Historical context
The wolf (Canis lupus, Estonian for "hunt") is the national animal symbol of Estonia, chosen in a 2018 national vote by the Estonian Nature Society. The wolf came in first place by a wide margin. Among European countries, Estonia has one of the largest wolf populations - about 200-300 individuals in the wild as of the 2020s. Wolves occupy an important place in Estonian mythology and folklore: in Estonian fairy tales, the wolf is often found as a cunning character, a rival of the bear (Karu), or an ally and enemy of man. The Estonian language uses over 400 names for the wolf - evidence of the importance of this animal in culture. Ecologically, wolves ensure natural balance, regulating the population of ungulates. This coin was the first in the series "Estonian National Symbols", continued in subsequent years with coins about the swallow, cornflower, song, folk costumes.