2 coin — 2 coin — The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has announced the issuance of a €2 commemorative coin to celebrate the Republic of Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026.
coin: A Symbol of Unity and Heritage
The national side of the coin showcases the official logo of the presidency, which draws inspiration from the traditional Lefkara embroidery, a key aspect of Cypriot cultural heritage. The design features 27 interconnected elements, symbolising the unity and harmony among EU member states.
Artistic Design and Minting Details
Artist Marios Kouroufexis crafted the artistic elements of the coin, which was minted at La Monnaie de Paris, France’s official mint. The total mintage will reach 275,000 coins, encompassing various production categories and presentation formats.
- 15,000 proof coins in presentation cases
- 5,000 brilliant uncirculated coins in capsules
- 5,000 brilliant uncirculated coins in presentation cards
- 250,000 uncirculated coins in rolls of 25
The CBC has set different prices for each format, with proof coins retailing at €20. The capsule coins will cost €3, and the card-format coins will be priced at €8, excluding additional logistics costs. Rolled coins will be available at nominal value plus a 5% handling charge, with separate forwarding and insurance expenses.
Specifications and Features
This commemorative coin carries a nominal value of €2 and boasts a round shape with a diameter of 25.75 millimetres and a weight of 8.50 grams. The edge of the coin features fine milled lettering, and its design incorporates a bi-metallic colour scheme of silver and gold tones. The outer ring is made from a copper-nickel alloy, while the inner core consists of a nickel brass and nickel combination.
The coin features a common European side with a geographical representation of Europe, adhering to the standard euro circulation designs. The national side bears an inscription in Greek, stating ‘Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026’, alongside the names Cyprus and Kibris in English and Turkish. The twelve stars of the European Union flag encircle the outer ring of the design.
Sales Process and Phases
The CBC has outlined a structured sales process that will occur in two phases. Phase A begins on April 20, 2026, and runs until May 29, 2026. During this phase, professional coin dealers and non-profit numismatic organisations can submit applications from April 20 to April 24, 2026. The CBC will respond to these applications between April 27 and May 12, 2026, retaining the right to accept or reject applications.
First-time dealers must register on the CBC numismatic dealers registry, providing VAT documentation and proof of trading activity via email. All applications must be submitted through a designated online platform, as alternative submission methods will not be accepted.
For those purchasing in bulk, a 10% discount will apply for orders of at least 20 coins in cases, subject to allocation decisions by the CBC. The second part of Phase A, which opens to the general public and collectors, will commence on May 20, 2026, and will also run until May 29, 2026, pending availability.
Sales during this period will function on a first-come, first-served basis at CBC counters and via an official online ordering platform. Individual purchase limits will be set at three coins in cases, two in cards, and two in capsules.
Future Availability
The CBC plans to initiate Phase B sales on June 2, 2026, after Phase A concludes. This phase will be limited to collector purchases at CBC counters, with strict availability managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Buyers will be limited to three coins of each type per day, depending on stock levels.
For further details, the CBC has provided contact information through their telephone support lines and numismatic orders email service.
