Portugal

2012

Commemorative coin

Guimesarã, the European Capital of Culture 2012

Official Journal of the European Union

The coins depicts three of Guimarães most relevant symbols: King Afonso Henriques and his sword and a part of the city castle. On the left, the Portuguese Coat of Arms and the indication of the issuing country: Portugal. On the bottom right is the Guimarães 2012 event logo and the artist name: José de Guimarães. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Additional information

Guimarães was the capital of the county of Portucale from 1096 and is called the "cradle of the nation" - the first capital of the Kingdom of Portugal, however, was Coimbra in 1139. The historic centre of Guimarães has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. The coin shows, stylised, the helmet and sword of the statue of Dom Afonso Henriques (≈1109-1185), Portugal's first king, placed in front of the city walls. On the right is the heart-shaped logo of the year of the event, on the left the shield from the coat of arms of Portugal is depicted.

Edge lettering

Designer