20th Anniversary of the Erasmus Programme 2 Euro Commemorative Coin

The obverse of the coin features a design by George Stamatopoulos showing a stylized representation of Erasmus of Rotterdam interacting with a network of stars, symbolizing the intellectual and cultural exchanges facilitated by the Erasmus Programme. Below are the dates '2007' and '2012' and the issuing country 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE'. The twelve stars of the European Union are depicted on the outer ring.

This coin commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Erasmus Programme, a European Union student exchange programme established in 1987. The program promotes European cooperation, cultural understanding, and academic mobility among students and staff across Europe. This specific coin was issued in 2012, celebrating 25 years of the program (1987-2012), though the central design shows '2007-2012', which typically refers to commemorative coins issued by European countries with a common design, often using a voting process for the design idea. This particular coin is part of a series issued by all Eurozone countries to mark the anniversary. The design was chosen through a public online vote among residents of Eurozone member states.

The estimated value of this coin is typically close to its face value of 2 Euros, ranging from 2.50 to 10 Euros for circulated to uncirculated conditions, depending on demand and specific market conditions. Special mint marks or errors could increase its value.

To preserve the coin's condition, handle it by the edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin. Store it in a cool, dry place, ideally in an acid-free coin holder, flip, or slab to prevent environmental damage and scratches. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this can often decrease its numismatic value.