Shopping Cart
Commemorative coin of 2 euros of Portugal, issued in 2014 with a circulation of 520,000 copies. Dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution. Minted at INCM, Lisbon. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
In the center of the coin is a stylized red carnation - a symbol of the revolution of April 25, 1974. Next to it is the outline of a soldier with a carnation in the barrel of a machine gun (a characteristic image of the revolution). Above - "25 DE ABRIL", below - "1974-2014 PORTUGAL". INCM mark. On the outer ring are the 12 five-pointed stars of the European Union.
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 is a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map with six thin horizontal lines in the background. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union. The band is finely fluted and inscribed with five shields alternating with seven locks - motifs of the Portuguese coat of arms.
Historical context
The Carnation Revolution (Revolução dos Cravos, or Revolution of 25 April) was a peaceful military coup in Portugal on 25 April 1974, which put an end to the 41-year authoritarian dictatorship of the Estado Novo (New State), founded by António de Oliveira Salazar and continued since 1968 by Marcelo Caetano. The revolution was led by the Armed Forces Movement (Movimento das Forças Armadas, MFA) - a secret organization of young officers who opposed the colonial wars in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau. The signal for the uprising was the song "Grândola, Vila Morena" by Zeca Afonso, which was broadcast on the radio at 0:25 on April 25. A few hours later, troops seized key objects in Lisbon. Caetano surrendered; the government fell. The name "Carnation Revolution" comes from the fact that Lisbon resident Celeste Caeiro distributed carnations to soldiers, which they inserted into the barrels of their guns. The revolution gave Portugal democracy, led to the independence of African colonies, and opened the way to joining the EEC (1986). April 25 is the national holiday of Freedom Day.