Commemorative coins for the 35th anniversary of the Erasmus program

The European Commission has unveiled the design of a joint issue of the commemorative coin for 2022 with a face value of 2 euros. The design of the coin was designed in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Erasmus program in Europe. The launch of this program took place in 1987.

The selection committee of the competition presented coin design projects from 19 different eurozone countries: Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia and Finland. According to the results of a public online vote, the design of Joaquin Jimenez, the engraver of the Paris Mint, was chosen.

Jimenez used historical motifs in his design of the reverse of the coin: the image of Erasmus of Rotterdam, as the inspirer of the principles of the Erasmus program, against the background of interconnected lines. Erasmus of Rotterdam is a Dutch philosopher and Catholic theologian. He is considered one of the greatest scientists of the Renaissance. He opposed dogmatism and polemicized with Luther on the doctrine of free will. Erasmus traveled extensively in Europe to broaden his horizons and gain relevant knowledge. He prepared one of the editions of the Greek original of the New Testament with comments, laid the foundation for a secular critical study of the text of the Holy Scriptures, and also updated the literary heritage of ancient authors. In honor of this outstanding person, the European Erasmus program for the exchange of students and teachers between universities in the eurozone and some other countries is named. The main goal of the Erasmus program is to improve the quality of education in Europe and develop cultural ties. The image of Erasmus of Rotterdam at the work was drawn from the painting of the artist Hans Holbein Jr.

The second element of the coin's reverse design is the intersecting geometric lines. This image symbolizes the numerous intellectual and social ties that are established under the Erasmus program, as well as personify the synergy between the participating countries. The number "35" is also indicated on the coin. This figure is timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the Erasmus program in 2022. The rim of the coin depicts 12 stars of the European flag. Each coin will have an inscription indicating the issuing country.

The coin will be issued in circulation in all 19 eurozone member states in July 2022.