National side of the new commemorative 2-euro coin intended for circulation and issued by Belgium

Euro coins intended for circulation have legal tender status throughout the euro area. For the purpose of informing the public and all parties who handle the coins, the Commission publishes a description of the designs of all new coins (1). In accordance with the Council conclusions of 10 February 2009  (2), euro-area Member States and countries that have concluded a monetary agreement with the European Union providing for the issuing of euro coins are allowed to issue commemorative euro coins intended for circulation, provided that certain conditions are met, particularly that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the same technical characteristics as other 2-euro coins, but their national face features a commemorative design that is highly symbolic in national or European terms.

Issuing country: Belgium

Subject of commemoration: Fight against cancer in Belgium

Description of the design: The design shows in the centre a ribbon, which is used as a universal symbol to express engagement in the fight against cancer. The shape of the ribbon extends further along the two sides in curved lines, symbolising the movement of a heartbeat on a monitor, as an expression of life and vitality. Three lines can be seen at the top, as a reference to a rainbow (symbolising hope and consolation). Inserted in the bottom line is the country code BE and the year 2024. In the lower part of the piece are inscriptions in French and Dutch: 'Lutte contre le cancer' - 'Strijd tegen kanker'. The initials of the designer Iris Bruijns are located on the left side above the inscriptions. As the Royal Dutch Mint will strike the coins, the mintmark of Utrecht, a mercury staff is located at the very bottom of the piece, together with the Belgian mint director mintmark, an aster flower in front of an Erlenmeyer flask.

The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Estimated number of coins to be issued: 2 130 000

Date of issue: May 2024

(1)  See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for the national faces of all the coins issued in 2002.

(2)  See the conclusions of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 February 2009 and the Commission Recommendation of 19 December 2008 on common guidelines for the national sides and the issuance of euro coins intended for circulation (OJ L 9, 14.1.2009, p. 52).