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The 2 euro coin was issued by Finland in 2012 to commemorate Helene Scherfbeck (1862–1946), a prominent Finnish artist whose work influenced the development of modernism in Scandinavian art.
Obverse
The standard obverse of the 2 euro coin features a map of the EU surrounded by 12 stars of the European Union, the Vantaa mint mark, and the year 2012.
Reverse
The reverse features a self-portrait of Helene Scherfbeck, a recognizable image of the artist with characteristic features of her painting. The inscription "HELENE SCHJERFBECK", "SUOMI FINLAND 2012" and the 12 EU stars complete the composition.
Historical context
Helene SCHJERFBECK was born on 10 July 1862 in Helsinki. Despite a serious illness since childhood, she became one of Finland's most prominent painters. Her works combine realism with symbolism and early abstraction. Her most famous series are self-portraits and portraits of women. She lived to be 84 years old and left behind over 700 works.