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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Slovak Republic, issued in 2019 in a circulation of 1,000,000 copies. Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the death of M. R. Štefaník. Minted at Mincovňa Kremnica. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a stylized portrait of Milan Rastislav Štefaník in French military uniform. At the top — "MILAN RASTISLAV ŠTEFÁNIK", at the bottom — "SLOVENSKO" and the dates "1919-2019". Mark of the Kremnica Mint. 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. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union. The band is finely fluted and has the inscription "SLOVENSKÁ REPUBLIKA" with two linden leaves.
Historical context
Milan Rastislav Štefánik (July 21, 1880 - May 4, 1919) was a prominent Slovak astronomer, photographer, general in the French army, diplomat, politician, and one of the founders of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918. He was born in Košarišky (then Hungary) as the son of an evangelical pastor. He was educated at the University of Prague (astronomy). In 1904, he moved to Paris, where he worked at the Meudon Observatory. He undertook several astronomical expeditions around the world - Turkey, Peru, Brazil, Tunisia, Tahiti. He obtained French citizenship. During World War I, he joined the French army as a pilot, earning the rank of general. Together with Tomasz Masaryk and Eduard Beneš — the main organizer of the Czechoslovak foreign movement — he created Czechoslovak legions in France, Italy, and Russia. In October 1918 — Minister of Defense of Czechoslovakia. Died in a plane crash on May 4, 1919 near Bratislava while returning home.