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Commemorative coin of 2 euros of Portugal, issued in 2017 with a circulation of 520,000 copies. Dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Public Security Police (PSP). Minted at INCM, Lisbon. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
In the center of the coin is a modern PSP officer in uniform, next to it is the heraldic badge of the Police. Above - "POLÍCIA DE SEGURANÇA PÚBLICA", below - "PORTUGAL 1867-2017". INCM mark. On the outer ring - 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). 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 of five shields alternating with seven castles - motifs of the Portuguese coat of arms.
Historical context
The Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública, PSP) is the national civilian police force of Portugal, responsible for public safety in cities and urban centers. Founded on 2 July 1867 by King Luís I through a decree creating the Public Security Police in Lisbon and Porto as a centralized civilian police force (previously the function was performed by the Municipal Guards). The reform was part of the modernization of the Portuguese state during the reign of King Luís I (1861-1889). Throughout its history, the PSP has transformed from a royal police force to a republican one, through the dictatorship of the Estado Novo (where the police were used against the opposition, especially the political police PIDE/DGS) to its modern democratic structure since 1974. Today, the PSP has about 21,000 officers, and is responsible for public order, urban traffic, security of public institutions, the fight against organized crime, and counterterrorism. Alongside the PSP are the GNR (rural gendarmerie), the PJ (criminal police), and the SEF (immigration service).