Shopping Cart
Commemorative coin of 2 euros of Portugal, issued in 2020 with a circulation of 520,000 copies. Dedicated to the 730th anniversary of the University of Coimbra. Minted at INCM, Lisbon. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
In the center of the coin is depicted the historical building of the University of Coimbra - the characteristic University Tower (Torre da Universidade, 18th century) against the backdrop of the city panorama. Above - "730 ANOS UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA", below - "PORTUGAL 1290-2020". 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 University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra) is the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. Founded on March 1, 1290 in Lisbon by King Dinis I (Dom Dinis) by a bull of Pope Nicholas IV - this makes it older than Harvard (1636), Yale (1701), Princeton (1746). The original name is Studium Generale. In 1308 it was moved to Coimbra. It was moved between Lisbon and Coimbra several more times, finally settling in Coimbra in 1537 by order of King João III. It is located on a hill in the historic center of Coimbra, in the former royal palace. Among the famous graduates: poet Luís de Camões (16th century, author of "Lusiad"), poet and playwright Francisco Manoel de Melo, prime ministers António de Oliveira Salazar, Mário Soares, António Guterres (current Secretary-General of the UN). The famous Joanina Library (1717) is a Baroque masterpiece. In 2013, the University of Coimbra was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.