2019 Estonia Copper-Nickel 2019 Estonia Copper-Nickel 100 years of University in Tartu UNC UNC

Commemorate a cornerstone of Estonian education and national identity with the 2019 Estonia 2 Euro commemorative coin, honoring the 100th anniversary of the University of Tartu becoming an Estonian-language university. This momentous event, which occurred on December 1, 1919, was crucial for the development of Estonian science, culture, and national self-determination, following the establishment of the independent Republic of Estonia.

Product Highlights:

Historic Commemoration: The coin celebrates the centenary of a transformative period for the University of Tartu. After centuries of instruction primarily in Latin, German, and later Russian, the university transitioned to Estonian as its primary language of instruction, solidifying its role as a national institution for the newly independent state.

Symbolic Design: The national side of the coin features a compelling design that visually represents the university's transformation and legacy. It depicts the university building itself, a classical architectural landmark in Tartu, with the silhouette of the building's main entrance prominently featured. Around the central image, the inscriptions "RAHVUSÜLIKOOL 100" (National University 100) and "UNIVERSITAS TARTUENSIS" (University of Tartu in Latin) are intertwined. The country name "EESTI" and the year "2019" are also visible. The outer ring of the coin displays the customary 12 stars of the European Union.

Uncirculated (UNC) Quality: This coin is presented in Uncirculated (UNC) condition. This means it comes directly from original mint rolls, retaining its full, original luster and showing no signs of wear from circulation, although minor contact marks typical of mass production may be present.

Bi-Metallic Composition (Copper-Nickel): As with all standard 2 Euro circulation coins, this commemorative issue is bi-metallic. The outer ring is composed of copper-nickel, while the inner core is a three-layer combination of nickel-brass, nickel, and nickel-brass.

Legal Tender: This 2 Euro coin is official legal tender in Estonia and throughout the entire Eurozone.

Mintage: The total mintage for this historically significant commemorative coin was 1,000,000 pieces, making it accessible for collectors while still celebrating a profound national event. A small portion of these were also issued in special Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coincards.

Technical Specifications:

Face Value: 2 Euro

Weight: 8.50 grams

Diameter: 25.75 mm

Thickness: 2.20 mm

Designer: Tiiu Pirsko and Mati Veermets (national side); Luc Luycx (common side)

Edge Lettering: "O EESTI O EESTI O" repeated alternately upright and inverted.

Availability: This coin was released into circulation in November 2019.

This 2019 Estonia 2 Euro coin is a meaningful and historically rich addition for collectors of Euro commemorative coins, those with an interest in Estonian history, education, and national development, and anyone who values the role of universities in shaping a nation.