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The first commemorative 2 euro coin of the Principality of Monaco, issued on June 1, 2007, with a circulation of only 20,001 copies - the smallest circulation of all 2 euro coins in the world, making it the most expensive collector coin in the 2 euro series. Design - Robert Benjamin Baron. Minted at the Paris Mint. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The obverse depicts an elegant portrait of Princess Grace Kelly in profile, turned to the left. On the right, in the form of an arch, is the inscription "MONACO", below - the mark of the Paris Mint (cornucopia), the year "2007" and the engraver's mark (horn). Under the princess's hair - the artist's signature "R.B.BARON". On the outer ring are the 12 five-pointed stars of the European Union. The coin was sold in a special box from the Museum of Stamps and Coins of Monaco.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the first type, designed by Luc Luix (Royal Belgian Mint). It depicts a map of the enlarged European Union with stylized lines below the map. On the left is a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO". On the outer ring are the 12 five-pointed stars of the EU. The band is finely grooved and has the inscription "2 ★", repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.
Historical context
Grace Patricia Kelly (November 12, 1929 - September 14, 1982) was an American actress, winner of the 1955 Academy Award for her leading role in the film "The Girl in the Country". She was born in Philadelphia, the son of Irish millionaire builder John Kelly. She starred in 11 films, including the famous Alfred Hitchcock films: "High Anxiety" (1954), "Rear Window" (1954), "Play 'til the End" (1955), as well as in films with Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby. In May 1955, at the Cannes Film Festival, she met Prince Rainier III of Monaco. They were married on April 19, 1956 in Monaco. She left her film career and became Princess Consort of Monaco. She gave birth to three children: Caroline (1957), Albert (1958, the current prince), and Stephanie (1965). On September 13, 1982, she was in a car accident on the road near Monte Carlo; she died on September 14, 1982 in a Monaco hospital. Her death was a shock to the whole world.