At first glance, they look like any other coins. But among the Portuguese 2-euro issues there are real hidden “treasures”. These are commemorative coins, released in limited runs, which over time have become valuable pieces for collectors.
According to Banco Santander’s Salto blog, commemorative coins are issued by euro zone countries to mark events, historical dates or important figures. Although they maintain legal value and can be used in any transaction, their market price can be several times higher than their face value.
The most valuable Portuguese coins
Portugal has already released several commemorative editions since the introduction of the euro, and some of them are now well above their circulation value. One of the most sought after is the 2007 coin, which marks the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union. Although it is not extremely rare, it is one of the favorites of foreign collectors and can fetch 20 to 30 euros, depending on its condition.
Another coin that stands out is the 2015 one, dedicated to the Cruz de Camões, issued in honor of the author of Os Lusíadas. The print run was limited, which sparked interest among numismatic enthusiasts. Its value is currently around 15 to 25 euros, although uncirculated copies may be worth even more.
More recently, the 2022 edition, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of José Saramago’s birth, became one of the favorites. In addition to honoring the only Portuguese Nobel Prize winner for Literature, the coin has gained popularity among international collectors and is already becoming scarce on the market.
Factors that determine value
According to Salto, the value of a coin depends on several factors: the year of issue, the circulation, the state of conservation and the interest of collectors. The rarer and better preserved it is, the higher its price will be. Uncirculated coins, kept in perfect condition, are the most valuable.
The blog adds that, in general, Portuguese commemorative coins range between 5 and 30 euros, but examples in “mint condition” (never handled) can be worth much more at international auctions.
How to know if you have a rare coin
To identify whether you have one of these coins, you must look at the year and the motif engraved on the back. In Portugal, all 2 euro commemorative coins have a common side (with the map of the European Union) and another personalized with the national theme.
Salto also recommends using specialized catalogs, such as Foronum or Leuchtturm, and comparing prices on auction platforms such as eBay or Catawiki.
A little Portuguese treasure
Commemorative coins can be a curious investment or simply a valuable discovery among your supermarket change. For many collectors, they are also a way of preserving Portugal’s cultural and historical memory.
Anyone who keeps coins at home may, without knowing it, have one of these small relics. And, as the blog reminds us, “the value of a coin is a reflection of its history and its rarity”, which makes these Portuguese pieces true hidden treasures.
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