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Commemorative coin of 2 euros of Portugal, issued in 2018 with a circulation of 520,000 copies. Dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the Botanical Garden of Ajuda. Minted at INCM, Lisbon. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Overse
The center of the coin depicts a stylized composition - plants from the botanical garden, possibly against the background of the characteristic hill near the Palace of Ajuda. Above - "250 ANOS JARDIM BOTÂNICO DA AJUDA", below - "PORTUGAL 2018". INCM mark. On the outer ring are 12 five-pointed 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 an inscription with five shields alternating with seven castles - motifs of the Portuguese coat of arms.
Historical context
The Ajuda Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico da Ajuda) is the oldest botanical garden in Portugal, located on the Ajuda Hill in Lisbon, near the Ajuda Palace. Founded in 1768 by King José I on the initiative of his Prime Minister Sebastián José de Carvalho (Marquise of Pombal). The garden was designed by the Italian botanist Domenico Vandelli, and the royal architect-gardener Pietro Giorgio Valassi prepared the terraced landscape. The garden was to serve both for scientific botanical research and for the education of young princes. It has an area of 4 hectares and collects more than 1,500 species of plants from all over the world - especially from former Portuguese colonies (Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Goa, Timor, Macau): dracaenas, orchids, exotic trees, medicinal plants. The garden has marble sculptures, fountains, pools. It was badly damaged by the earthquake of 1755 and was rebuilt. Today it is part of the University of Lisbon, open to visitors.