Obverse: The set consists of eight Belgian euro coins ranging from 1 cent to 2 euros. The national side of every denomination depicts a profile portrait of King Albert II of Belgium. The portrait is surrounded by the 12 stars of the European Union, while the royal monogram – a crowned letter A – appears on the right. The coins included in the set are dated 1999 and 2000.
Reverse: The reverse of the coins features the first common European design corresponding to each euro denomination. The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins depict Europe in relation to the world, while the 10, 20 and 50 cent and €1 and €2 coins depict the European Union member states of the time. The common sides of the euro coins were designed by Luc Luycx of the Royal Mint of Belgium.
About the coins: These coins belong to the first series of Belgian national euro coin designs, featuring King Albert II as their principal motif. The national side was designed by Royal Mint of Belgium artist Jan Alfons Keustermans. Although euro banknotes and coins did not enter circulation until 1 January 2002, Belgium began minting euro coins as early as 1999, which is why these early coins bear the dates 1999 and 2000. Albert II was King of Belgium from 1993 to 2013, and his portrait remained on Belgian euro coins until he passed the throne to King Philippe.
