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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Slovak Republic, issued on July 5, 2013, in a circulation of 1,000,000 copies. Dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of the mission of Cyril and Methodius. It was minted at Mincovňa Kremnica. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts the figures of Saints Cyril and Methodius in characteristic Byzantine monastic attire. Cyril holds a Glagolitic book, Methodius holds a patriarchal cross. At the top — "1150. VÝROČIE PRÍCHODU", at the bottom — "SV. CYRILA A METODA" and "SLOVENSKO 2013". Mark of the Kremnica Mint. On the outer ring are the 12 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. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union. The rim is finely fluted and has the inscription "SLOVENSKÁ REPUBLIKA" with two linden leaves.
Historical context
Saints Cyril (c. 826/827 - February 14, 869) and Methodius (c. 815 - April 6, 885) were Byzantine monks and scholars from Thessaloniki (Greece), who in 863 arrived in the Great Moravian state at the invitation of Prince Rostislav to preach Christianity in the Slavic language. Great Moravia covered the territory of modern Czech Republic, Slovakia, partly Hungary, Poland, and Austria. Cyril (secular name Konstantin) created the first Slavic alphabet - the Glagolitic - for translating the Bible and liturgical books into the Slavic language. This was a revolutionary step: until then, Christian services had been conducted only in Latin, Greek, or Hebrew. The brothers translated the Gospel, the Psalter, and the Epistles. In 869, Pope Adrian II officially approved the Slavic liturgy. In 1980, John Paul II declared Saints Cyril and Methodius co-patrons of Europe along with Saint Benedict. July 5 is a national holiday in Slovakia.