Belgium. New 2024 €2 Commemorative Coins Focus on Cancer Awareness and Prevention

Often a difficult topic of discussion, it is the first time that a commemorative Belgian 2 Euro coin is dedicated to cancer awareness and healthcare. The Kingdom of Belgium is a small country in north-western Europe with an advanced health care system and thus, a very high standard or quality of life. However, in this small country with a population of just over 11 million, around 205 people are diagnosed with cancer every day and for them, as well as for everyone involved, the diagnosis can be very challenging. In recent years, science and on-going research have made spectacular progress in the fight against cancer, increasing survival rates and extending life expectancy. Although a cancer diagnosis hits particularly hard and the road to recovery can be tough, patients and their families are encouraged not lose heart. Together, in the fight against cancer it isn’t only the very specific input of the oncologist but also the support of psychologists and where necessary, physiotherapists who play an invaluable role. Much of the process of recovery would not be possible without the invaluable help of caregivers and volunteers.

The coins are produced by the Royal Dutch Mint at their facilities in Houten, Netherlands in association with the Royal Belgian Mint and designed by graphic artist Iris Bruijns. The obverse design includes a stylised rainbow as a symbol of hope for a cancer-free world, with the country and year shown as BE 2024. At the centre is the representation of a heartbeat in the form of an awareness ribbon often worn to express support. Just under the motif is the inscription shown in French and Dutch, Lutte contre le cancer – Strijd tegen kanker (together, against Cancer). The Belgian mintmaster's mark of an erlenmeyer flask with aster and the privy mark of the Royal Dutch Mint, the Mercury staff is placed beneath the inscription. 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.

The BU strikes are presented in a sealed, coin-card format with either French or Dutch text. The Proof version is encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. For additional information, please visit the online e-webshop of the Royal Belgian Mint.