The Central Bank of Luxembourg (BCL) is preparing the issue of a gold coin and a limited edition €2 coin to mark the 25th anniversary of Grand Duke Henri’s accession to the throne.

The two collector’s items will be released in early summer. “We cannot yet give an exact date, as they will be minted in the Netherlands and the time frame depends on production and delivery,” a bank spokesperson said. The Grand Duke acceded to the throne on 7 October 2000.

He is due to abdicate in favour of his son, Crown Prince Guillaume, on 3 October this year.

With these special coins, the central bank says it wishes to honour the cultural and historical heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The €2 coin shows a portrait of the monarch in front of the grand ducal palace. The dual-colour coin bears the inscription “25. Trounjubiläum vum Groussherzog Henri” (25th throne jubilee of Grand Duke Henri) and the country name “Lëtzebuerg”. It is offered in a coin card, a case or in a capsule. The number of coins is limited to 130,000.

“As a representative of the state, he is the symbol of the unity of the territory, national independence, and the continuity of the state,” the BCL said in a press release. “During his reign, Grand Duke Henri has always upheld the values of tolerance, respect, dignity and solidarity. This €2 commemorative coin honours the 25 years of Grand Duke Henri’s reign.”

The €2 coin shows the portrait of the Grand Duke © Photo credit: BCL

The gold coin is also legal tender. However, its value is far higher than the face value © Photo credit: BCL

Its circulation is limited to 250 pieces © Photo credit: BCL

Those wishing to add a gold coin to their collection will need to be even faster, as the commemorative gold coin minting is limited to just 250 pressings.

Each of the 250 pure gold (Au 999) coins will weigh one ounce (3.11g) and have a diameter of 37mm. The price is not yet known as the world gold price fluctuates daily. The BCL expects to sell the coins for around €3,000 each. The coin will feature the monarch’s profile, as seen on euro coins already in circulation, on one side and an image of him taking the throne in 2000 on the reverse side.

Also read:Grand Duke Henri confirms date of retirement

Whether there will be another coin commemorating the retirement of the Grand Duke and the accession of his son, Guillaume, to the throne is not yet known. After taking office in October, the portrait of the Grand Duke will gradually be replaced on the coins currently in general circulation.

(This article was published by the Luxemburger Wort. Translation and editing by Alex Stevensson.)