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Commemorative coin of 2 euros of Portugal, issued in 2019 with a circulation of 520,000 copies. Dedicated to the 600th anniversary of the discovery of Madeira. Minted at INCM, Lisbon. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Overse
In the center of the coin is a stylized map of the island of Madeira with a characteristic silhouette. Next to it is a caravel of Portuguese sailors. Above — "600 ANOS DESCOBRIMENTO DA MADEIRA", below — "PORTUGAL 1419-2019". INCM mark. On the outer ring are the 12 five-pointed stars of the EU.
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 castles - motifs of the Portuguese coat of arms.
Historical context
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,000 km southwest of mainland Portugal and 700 km west of Morocco. It consists of the main islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, and the smaller islands of Desertas and Selvagens. The area is 802 km², and the population is about 250,000. The capital is Funchal. The archipelago was officially discovered by Portuguese navigators João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira in 1418-1419. First, in 1418, they landed in Porto Santo during a storm, and in 1419 - on Madeira itself. The discovery was part of the initiative of Prince Henry the Navigator and marked the beginning of the Age of Great Geographical Discoveries. The name "Madeira" (Portuguese for "tree") comes from the dense forests on the island. The archipelago was quickly colonized - wheat, sugar cane, grapes (for the famous Madeira wine) were grown there. Today, Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, known for Madeira wine, landscapes, and a network of "levadas" (irrigation canals). The most famous Madeiran is the football player Cristiano Ronaldo.