Slovakia. New €2 Commemorative Coin Featuring Trenčín, European Capital of Culture

The European Capital of Culture is a continental-wide programme with a designation given to cities by the EU to showcase their cultural life. First launched in 1985 as the initiative of Greek Culture Minister Melina Mercouri and her French counterpart Jack Lang, their idea was to designate an annual City of Culture to bring Europeans closer together, highlighting the richness and diversity of European cultures and raise awareness of their common history and values. The designation often boosts tourism and development with multiple cities who share the title annually such as the city of Oulu in Finland and Trenčín in Slovakia for 2026.

Trenčín will focus its year-long program on ‘Awakening Curiosity’ to bridge past, present, and future through cultural projects, community engagement, and urban renewal, revitalising public spaces like the old railway bridge and historic sites. This initiative aims to foster positive, lasting change in the city and region, encouraging European dialogue and showcasing local heritage. With the designation, a revitalisation and renewal of buildings, public spaces, and cultural venues has been part of the year-long celebrations. In particular, projects include transforming the old railway bridge into a cultural hub, renovating the Hviezda cinema, and restoring Trenčín’s historic synagogue. A strong community focus and emphasis on citizen participation, volunteering, and intergenerational engagement has also been highlighted.

The coins are produced by the Kremnica Mint at their facilities in the town of the same name and designed by artist Klára Markl Fojtů. The obverse side features a stylised image of Trenčín’s iconic castle and symbols of arts such as a palette, film camera and mask. The name of the city TRENČÍN is superimposed over the castle and over the art symbols. The year 2026 is shown just below the issuing country’s name. Above the primary design along the upper half of the inner disk is the text SLOVENSKO with the commemorative inscription EURÓPSKE HLAVNÉ MESTO KULTÚRY. The overall design is surrounded by twelve five-pointed stars signifying the original members of the European Union. The reverse side is that of the standard Euro-zone design for all circulating 2 Euro coins, the numeral 2 superimposed over a map depicting Europe created by artist Luc Luycx. 

Available from the 20^th January, each proof-like coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Kremnica Mint, official distributors.