CBC issues commemorative €2 coin for Cyprus’ EU presidency

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) on Friday announced the issuance of a €2 commemorative coin marking the Republic of Cyprus’ assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2026.

The national side of the coin features the official logo of the presidency, which is inspired by Lefkara embroidery tradition, a recognised element of Cypriot cultural heritage.

The design is composed of 27 interconnected elements intended to symbolise European Union unity and harmony among member states.

The CBC explained that the composition reflects member countries coming together under a shared purpose in a stronger and more unified framework.

The design also incorporates symbolism of the Cyprus sun motif, which is presented as a representation of warmth, renewal and optimism for a sustainable European future.

The artistic design was created by artist Marios Kouroufexis, while the coin was minted at La Monnaie de Paris, the French Mint institution.

The total mintage volume is 275,000 coins, covering multiple production categories and presentation formats.

This includes 15,000 proof coins in presentation cases, 5,000 brilliant uncirculated coins in capsules, 5,000 brilliant uncirculated coins in presentation cards, and 250,000 uncirculated coins in rolls of 25 pieces.

The CBC confirmed that pricing will vary depending on format, with proof coins priced at €20, capsule brilliant uncirculated coins at €3, and card-format brilliant uncirculated coins at €8, excluding additional logistics costs.

Rolled coins will be sold at nominal value plus handling charges of 5 per cent, along with forwarding and insurance expenses applied separately.

The coin specification details include a €2 nominal value, a round shape design, a 25.75 millimetre diameter, and a 8.50 gram weight standard.

The edge features fine milled lettering, while the visual structure presents a bi-metallic colour scheme combining silver and gold tones.

The outer ring is composed of copper-nickel alloy, while the inner core consists of a three-layer structure of nickel brass and nickel materials.

The coin’s common European side features a geographical representation of Europe, consistent with standard euro circulation designs.

The national side includes an inscription in Greek that translates to ‘Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026’, alongside Cyprus and Kibris, the country’s name in English and Turkish respectively.

It also includes the twelve stars of the European Union flag, arranged along the outer ring of the design.

The CBC outlined that sales will be conducted in two structured phases, beginning with Phase A sales period from April 20, 2026 to May 29, 2026.

During Phase A, professional coin dealers and non-profit numismatic organisations may submit applications between April 20 and April 24, 2026.

The CBC will respond to applications between April 27 and May 12, 2026, while retaining the right of full or partial acceptance or rejection of applications.

First-time professional dealers must register on the CBC numismatic dealers registry, submitting VAT documentation and proof of numismatic trading activity by email.

All applications must be submitted via a designated online application platform, with any alternative submission methods automatically rejected.

A 10 per cent discount incentive will apply to qualifying bulk purchases of at least 20 coins in cases, subject to allocation decisions by the CBC.

The second part of Phase A, targeting the general public and coin collectors, will begin on May 20, 2026 and run until May 29, 2026, subject to availability.

Sales will operate on a first come first served basis at CBC counters and through an official online ordering platform.

Purchase limits will be set at up to three coins in cases, two coins in cards, and two coins in capsules per individual purchaser.

Online applicants will be informed of outcomes within five working days from the start of counter sales, depending on allocation results.

Payments at CBC counters will be accepted in cash or card form excluding American Express, while online payments will be limited to Visa and Mastercard transactions only.

The CBC also confirmed a Phase B sales period commencing on June 2, 2026, which will apply after Phase A concludes.

Phase B will continue until stocks are exhausted and will be restricted to collector purchases only at CBC counters.

Availability will be managed strictly on a first come first served basis, with a limit of three coins per type per day per applicant depending on stock levels.

For further information, the CBC provided contact details through its telephone support lines and numismatic orders email service.