Belgium

2006

Commemorative coin

Atomium

Official Journal of the European Union

The inner part of the coin shows a representation of the ‘Atomium’. The engraver's initials ‘LL’ are depicted to the lower right hand side of the Atomium. Two mintmarks appear along the edge of the inner part, one on the right and one on the left of the lower ball of the Atomium. Twelve stars surround the design on the outer ring. The monogram ‘B’ appears at the top of the coin between two stars and the year of mintage ‘2006’ appears at the bottom of the circle between two stars.

Additional information

The Atomium was designed by engineer André Waterkeyn as a symbol of the nuclear age and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It was elaborated by architects André and Jean Polak and built for the 1958 World Exposition (Expo '58) in Brussels. It is a 102 m high representation of the cubic crystal structure of iron. The atoms are designed as hollow spheres and the lattice that unites them to form the imaginary elementary cell consists of tubes. Three of the spherical shells are additionally supported from the ground. Originally intended only for the duration of the World Expo, the Atomium became a landmark of Brussels and was therefore preserved. The occasion of the issue is the reopening after several years of renovation. Six of the nine hollow spheres are open to the public and are used for exhibitions, film screenings, concerts and congresses; there is a restaurant at the top.

Edge lettering

Designer