January 29, 2015 – The 150th anniversary year of Jean Sibelius (1865–1957) is celebrated in 2015. In addition to the commemorative two-euro coin launched on 18 February, Mint of Finland will also release Sibelius-themed silver and gold collector coins on 30 January. Jean Sibelius has previously been honoured with silver and gold Jean Sibelius and Finnish Music collector coins in 1999.
”Jean Sibelius is of huge importance to the Finnish people, which is why it is fantastic that, this year, he is remembered with a commemorative two-euro coin in addition to the collector coin,” says Mint of Finland CEO Paul Gustafsson.
Jean Sibelius is Finland’s national composer whose music has touched Finnish people in different periods and translated Finnish national sentiments to international audiences as well. Jean Sibelius’ best-known works include Symphonies 1–7, Finlandia, Valse triste, Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 and, drawing their inspiration from the Kalevala tradition of Finnish folk poetry, Kullervo and the Karelia Suite.
The national side of the commemorative two-euro coin depicts the starry sky of Ainola and a copse of pine trees, under which Sibelius was captured in several photographs. The side of the coin dedicated to Sibelius is designed by Nora Tapper. The commemorative coin’s reverse is identical to that of ordinary two-euro circulation coins.
A total of 1.0 million two-euro Jean Sibelius special coins will be struck, 11,000 of which will be minted in proof quality. The special coins are available from retailers and the Mint of Finland online shop. Commemorative coins are legal tender in all euro countries.
”Commemorative two-euro coins have been minted in Finland since 2004. Due to their small mintages, they are popular collector’s items everywhere in the world. The easiest way to obtain a polished proof-quality commemorative two-euro coin for your collection is through Mint of Finland or from coin retailers,” says Mint of Finland CEO Paul Gustafsson.
Mint of Finland is offering the commemorative coins individually in proof quality (EUR 24), in purses of 10 freshly minted UNC-quality coins (EUR 41), and in rolls of 25 freshly minted UNC coins (EUR 90). Advance orders for the special coin will be accepted by the Mint of Finland online shop from 4 February.
This video on Youtube gives you a glimpse on the work of Jean Sibelius.