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Commemorative coin of the Principality of Monaco, issued in 2016 in a circulation of 15,000 copies. Dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the founding of Monte Carlo. Minted at the Paris Mint. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a portrait of Prince Charles III Grimaldi (Charles III, 1818-1889), ruler of Monaco in 1856-1889, founder of Monte Carlo. In the background is the facade of the famous Monte Carlo Casino, a masterpiece by architect Charles Garnier. At the top is the inscription "CHARLES III", at the bottom is "MONTE-CARLO 1866-2016". On the right is the mark of the Paris Mint. On the outer ring - 12 EU stars.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix (Royal Belgian Mint). It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders - a symbol of European unity. On the left - a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right - a map with six thin horizontal lines in the background. On the outer ring - 12 stars of the European Union. The band - with thin ribbing and the inscription "2 ★", repeated six times alternately upright and inverted.
Historical context
Monte-Carlo (Italian "Mount Charles") is a district of Monaco, founded in 1866 on the initiative of Prince Charles III. In 1856, Monaco experienced a severe financial crisis - after the territories of Menton and Roquebrune separated from the principality (joining France for 4 million francs), only the tiny Rock of Monaco with an area of about 1 km² remained. Charles III was looking for new sources of income and decided to build a casino on the Speluges hill. The first casino opened in 1856, but real success came in 1863, when entrepreneur François Blanc received a concession and began to develop the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM). In 1866, the area was officially named Monte Carlo (in honor of Charles III). Architect Charles Garnier (famous for the Paris Opera) designed the famous Casino of Monte Carlo, which opened in 1879. Thanks to the casino, Monaco became one of the richest countries in the world. Today, Monte Carlo is synonymous with luxury: it is home to hotels, boutiques, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and an opera house.