2 euro coin pays tribute to Belgian care sector

Belgium is paying tribute to the care sector with a special issue of the 2 euro coin. Over the course of the year, two million of these coins will come into circulation.

The coin, which recognises the efforts made by doctors, nurses and other medical staff during the corona pandemic, was unveiled on Wednesday morning by Federal Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem (CD&V) at the University Hospital in Ghent.

"The physical and mental dedication shown by our care in particularly difficult circumstances is exceptional," Van Peteghem said. "They were on the front line for years to protect and support our society."

The new coins show a care worker with a mouth mask next to a collage that includes a wheelchair, an injection needle and a stethoscope. Flanked by the inscription 'Danke, Merci, Dank U'. Like a standard 2 euro coin, the reverse side shows the value of the piece.

Collector's item

155,000 commercial coins will be produced for collectors. But it is also intended that the coin will be distributed in large numbers and paid for regularly. The coins will effectively come into circulation at the end of the summer. Depending on the demand for the coins, all two million will then come into circulation.

In the past, commemorative coins were also dedicated to historical figures such as Charles V, Jan Van Eyck and Louis Braille. Historic events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the student revolt of May '68 and the establishment of the European Monetary Union have also been featured on coins.

(AHU)

© BELGA PHOTO Nicolas Maeterlinck

© BELGA VIDEO Jonas D'Hollander