According to the Salto blog, from Banco Santander, commemorative coins are issued by countries in the eurozone to mark events, historical dates or important figures. Although they retain legal tender status and can be used in any transaction, their market price can be several times higher than their face value.
Portugal has released several commemorative editions since the introduction of the euro, and some of them are now worth far more than their circulating value. One of the most sought-after coins is the 2007 coin, which commemorates the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union. Although not extremely rare, it is a favourite among foreign collectors and can fetch between 20 and 30 euros, depending on its condition.
Another noteworthy coin is the 2015 coin, dedicated to the Cross of Camões, issued in homage to the author of Os Lusíadas. Its mintage was limited, which sparked interest among numismatic enthusiasts. Its current value ranges from 15 to 25 euros, although uncirculated specimens can be worth even more.
More recently, the 2022 edition, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of José Saramago’s birth, has become a favourite. In addition to honouring the only Portuguese Nobel laureate in Literature, the coin has gained popularity among international collectors and is already becoming scarce on the market.
According to Salto, the value of a coin depends on several factors: the year of issue, the mintage, the state of preservation, and the interest of collectors. The rarer and better preserved it is, the higher its value 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 specimens in “uncirculated” condition (never handled) can be worth much more at international auctions.
Do you have one of the coins?
To identify if you have one of these coins, you should look at the year and the motif engraved on the reverse. In Portugal, all 2-euro commemorative coins have a common face (with the map of the European Union) and another personalized with the national theme.
Salto also recommends consulting specialized catalogs, such as Foronum or Leuchtturm, and comparing prices on auction platforms like eBay or Catawiki. A Little Portuguese Treasure
Commemorative coins can be a curious investment or simply a valuable find among your supermarket change. For many collectors, they are also a way to preserve Portugal’s cultural and historical memory.
