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The 2 euro coin was minted by Finland in 2015 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Akseli Gallen-Kallel (1865–1931), the most prominent Finnish artist, illustrator of the Kalevala epic and founder of the Finnish national artistic style.
Obverse
The standard obverse of the 2 euro coins: a map of the EU, 12 stars of the European Union, the Vantaa mint mark and the year 2015.
Reverse
The reverse features a portrait of Akseli Gallen-Kallel along with a fragment of his painting - a stylized motif from the Kalevala. The inscription "AKSELI GALLEN-KALLELA", "SUOMI FINLAND 2015" and the 12 stars of the EU decorate the coin.
Historical context
Akseli Gallen-Kallela was born on 26 April 1865. His monumental paintings, inspired by the Karelo-Finnish epic "Kalevala", became the basis of Finnish national romanticism. The artist also designed murals for the National Museum of Finland and participated in the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris. His works are still a symbol of Finnish culture.