Belgium

2018

Commemorative coin

The 50th anniversary of the ESRO 2B satellite

Official Journal of the European Union

The design shows the ESRO 2B satellite, the first successful satellite of the European Space Research Organization and launched in May 1968, circling around planet Earth. The ESRO 2B, also renamed as ‘IRIS’ (International Radiation Investigation Satellite) once in orbit, was concentrated on solar X-rays, cosmic radiation and Earth’s radiation belts. The mintmark of Utrecht (the Mercury’s wand) is located on the bottom together with the Belgian mint master mark, the coat of arms of the municipality Herzele, the country code BE and the initials LL referring to the designer of the coin, Mr Luc Luycx. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Additional information

The European satellite "ESRO-2B", developed by ESRO with the participation of Belgium, is also known as "Iris 2" (International Radiation Investigation Satellite). Launched in May 1968, it was fully operational for only half a year and burnt up in 1971 on re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. The coin designed by Luc Luycx shows it in orbit around the Earth, showing Africa with Madagascar, the Near East and western South Asia, Europe and Greenland next to part of Arctic North America and the Brazilian eastern tip of South America.

Edge lettering

Designer