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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Slovak Republic, issued in 2023 in a circulation of 1,000,000 copies. Dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the Vienna-Bratislava horse-drawn express mail. It was minted at Mincovňa Kremnica. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a stylized composition - a horse-drawn mail carriage against the background of the Vienna-Bratislava cartographic route. Above - "KONSKÁ POŠTA", below - "VIEDEŇ-BRATISLAVA" with the dates "1823-2023". 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 rim is finely fluted and has the inscription "SLOVENSKÁ REPUBLIKA" with two linden leaves.
Historical context
On January 1, 1823, a regular horse-drawn express mail route between Vienna (then the capital) and Bratislava (then Prešpork, part of the Hungarian Kingdom of the Habsburg Monarchy) began operating in the Austrian Empire. This was a significant event in the history of Central European mail. The route covered more than 60 km - several hours of travel. Mail carriages transported letters, documents, newspapers, state dispatches, and later - passengers. Previously, mail was delivered irregularly, with long delays. Regular daily mail dramatically accelerated the exchange of information, trade, and diplomacy between the two cities. Similar mail routes had operated in the Austrian Empire since the late 18th century. (postal reform of Joseph II), but the Bratislava route was especially important because of its regularity and proximity to two important cities. In the 20th century. horse mail was replaced by railways, automobiles, and aviation. In 2023, the 200th anniversary of this achievement is celebrated.