Matthew
Coins have always been a popular collector’s item, but some of them are so rare and valuable that they can be considered a treasure in themselves.
In this article, we will delve into the world of 2 euro coins and unearth six of the rarest and most valuable ones that many collectors and enthusiasts are eager to find.
By learning how to recognize these unique coins, you may be able to discover a hidden gem in your own collection or stumble upon an unexpected fortune.
The 2002 Greek 2 Euro Coin Featuring the S in the Star
One of the first rare coins to look out for is the Greek 2 euro coin from 2002, which features a unique detail that sets it apart from other coins in circulation.
The 2002 Greek 2 euro coin commemorates the 75th anniversary of the death of the Greek poet Konstantinos Kavafis, known for his insightful and evocative poems about love, history, and the human experience. The design on the obverse of the coin features a portrait of Kavafis, while the reverse side displays the standard 2 euro coin design, which includes a map of Europe and the denomination.
What makes this particular coin so rare and valuable is the presence of a small S in one of the stars surrounding the portrait of Kavafis on the obverse side. The S stands for Suomi, which means Finland in Finnish, and indicates that the coin was minted in Finland rather than Greece. The reason for this anomaly is unclear, but it is believed that only a small number of these coins with the S in the star were produced, making them highly sought after by collectors. The value of this rare coin can be anywhere from €500 to €1,000, depending on its condition.
The Trio of Rare Vatican City 2 Euro Coins
Next up on our list are three extremely rare and valuable 2 euro coins issued by the Vatican City, each with its own fascinating backstory and historical significance.
- The 2005 Vatican City 2 Euro Coin Commemorating World Youth Day: This coin was issued to celebrate the 20th World Youth Day, an international Catholic event held in Cologne, Germany, in 2005. The obverse side of the coin features an image of Pope John Paul II, while the reverse side has the standard 2 euro coin design. With a limited mintage of only 100,000 coins, this rare piece can fetch prices of up to €2,000.
- The 2006 Vatican City 2 Euro Coin Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Swiss Guard: The Swiss Guard, a small army responsible for the safety of the Pope and the Vatican, was established in 1506, and this coin was minted to honor their 500 years of service. The obverse side showcases a detailed depiction of a Swiss Guard, and the reverse side features the standard 2 euro coin design. This coin is even rarer than the previous one, with only 85,000 minted, and can be worth up to €2,500.
- The 2007 Vatican City 2 Euro Coin Commemorating the 80th Birthday of Pope Benedict XVI: The final coin in this trio pays tribute to Pope Benedict XVI’s 80th birthday. The obverse side bears a portrait of the Pope, while the reverse side displays the standard 2 euro coin design. With a mintage limited to just 100,000 coins, this rare piece can command prices as high as €1,500.
The 2007 Monaco 2 Euro Coin Honoring Princess Grace Kelly
The 2007 Monaco 2 euro coin is a true gem in the world of coin collecting and is highly prized for its rarity and historical significance.
The coin was issued to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the death of Princess Grace Kelly, the American actress who became the Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier III in 1956. The obverse side of the coin features a beautiful portrait of Princess Grace, while the reverse side showcases the standard 2 euro coin design.
With a limited mintage of only 20,000 coins, this Monaco 2 euro coin is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in circulation. In fact, it is so rare that many collectors may never have theopportunity to see one in person, let alone own one. The value of this exquisite coin can vary greatly depending on its condition and the demand among collectors, but it has been known to sell for prices ranging from €1,000 to an astonishing €10,000 or more.
The 2009 Finnish 2 Euro Coin Marking the 10th Anniversary of the Economic and Monetary Union
In 2009, a unique 2 euro coin was issued by Finland to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) – a significant milestone in the history of the European Union and its single currency, the euro.
The design on the obverse side of the coin features a stick figure hand-in-hand with the euro symbol, symbolizing the close relationship between the citizens of the European Union and the euro. The reverse side, as with all 2 euro coins, displays the standard design including the denomination and a map of Europe.
What sets this coin apart from others, however, is a small minting error that occurred during production. Instead of the intended mintage year, 2009, a small number of these coins were mistakenly minted with the year 2008 on the obverse side. This error makes these coins extremely rare and highly prized by collectors. The value of one of these erroneously minted coins can reach up to €3,000, depending on its condition and the interest of collectors at the time.
The 2015 Belgian 2 Euro Coin Commemorating the European Year for Development
The final rare 2 euro coin on our list is the 2015 Belgian coin, which was issued to commemorate the European Year for Development – an initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting action toward sustainable development and poverty eradication.
The design on the obverse side of this coin features a globe surrounded by human figures, symbolizing the interconnectedness of people around the world and the need for collective action to achieve the goals of the European Year for Development. The reverse side includes the standard 2 euro coin design.
This coin is particularly rare and valuable due to a limited mintage of only 250,000 coins, combined with an additional minting error that occurred on some of the coins. A small number of these coins were struck with the incorrect design on the reverse side, featuring the old map of Europe without the addition of Croatia, which joined the European Union in 2013. This error makes these coins even more sought after by collectors, with values reaching up to €1,000 or higher for one of these rare specimens.
In conclusion, the world of 2 euro coins is rich with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered by the keen-eyed collector or fortunate enthusiast. By learning how to recognize the unique characteristics of these six extremely rare and valuable coins, you may be able to unearth a small fortune or simply add an extraordinary piece to your growing collection. Keep your eyes open and your knowledge sharp, and the next fascinating find could be just around the corner.
