Portugal 2 Euros, 2012

2 Euros from Portugal. Issued in 2012. Struck in Bimetallic: nickel brass clad nickel centre in copper-nickel ring. Measures 25.75 mm and weighs 8.5 g.

Obverse

The inner part of the coin depicts a stylised image of Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, together with his sword and the Castle of Guimarães, which is regarded as the birthplace of Portugal as an independent nation in the 12th century. To the left of the image is the Portuguese shield above the word “PORTUGAL”. To the lower right is the inscription “GUIMARÃES 2012” with the logo of Guimarães 2012 European Capital of Culture. Along the lower edge of the inner part are the mintmark “INCM” and the name of the designer, “JOSÉ DE GUIMARÃES”. The outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Reverse

A map, next to the face value, shows the European continent without borders

Edge

Finely ribbed with seven castles and five coats of arms