New 2 euro from Portugal: Money prepared for Gulbenkian's 70th anniversary goes into circulation

Portugal is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian with a new 2-euro commemorative coin.

The new coin has the same nominal value as the regular 2 euro and is the official euro coin issued by Portugal.

Therefore, it is not only a collector's item; legal tender like the regular 2 euro bill.

The previous 500 thousand figure is not correct

Initial news and radar notes included a figure of 500 thousand units for the regular version in circulation.

However, official Portaria does not confirm this number.

Portaria n.º 109/2026/1, Gulbenkian sets a total nominal emission limit of 248 thousand euros for 2 euro emissions.

Based on 2 euro coins, this corresponds to a maximum nominal capacity of 124 thousand units for the entire emission.

This total also includes special numismatic versions.

Therefore, 500 thousand pieces of information are not compatible with official legislation and should not be used.

Special versions are also printed

The legislation also determines the quantities of special collection versions.

Maximum:

11 thousand FDC,

8 thousand proofs,

5 thousand reverse proofs

version can be printed.

These are collectible versions that can be sold with special packaging and numismatic presentation.

Normal circulation money can be used as a means of payment with its nominal value of 2 euros.

What's on the money?

The national side of the coin features the quadriga, one of the symbols used by Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian since its founding.

four horse chariot Its depiction symbolizes the foundation's four main areas of activity:

Arte,

Beneficência,

Ciência,

Educação.

The design also includes the dates 1956–2026 and the name Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian.

Can they sell 2 euro coins for more than 2 euros?

The nominal value of the normal circulation version is 2 euros.

However, special proof, reverse proof or specially packaged numismatic versions may be priced above their face value as collector's items.

It is also possible that prices will increase in the secondary collection market.

This does not change the official payment value of the money.

The Gulbenkian coin encountered in normal circulation remains legal tender with a value of 2 euros.

Why Gulbenkian?

Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian was founded in 1956 in accordance with the will of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian.

It was decided to issue new money on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the foundation's activities in Portugal and internationally in the fields of art, science, education and social support.

The Portuguese Government officially approved the emission in March.

Resources

Diário da República — Portaria n.º 109/2026/1, 9 March 2026

https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/portaria/109-2026-1068974012

Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda

https://incm.pt/