2016-01-07 Thu

Estonia has announced its first circulating commemorative €2 coin honouring Paul Keres. The 2016 commemorative coin marks the centenary birth year of the Estonian Chess Grandmaster. Keres, born on January 7th 1916, was one of the strongest players on the international chess scene. Although he has never earned a world championship ranking, he is one of three players to defeat nine undisputed world champions in one-on-one matches. His talent and prowess earned him the moniker ‘Prince of Chess’.

The obverse of the coin shows a portrait of Paul Keres with several chess pieces. His name, the name of the country in its native language, and the year of issue – ‘Paul Keres’, ‘Eesti’, and ‘2016’ – are inscribed along with the portrait. The reverse of the coin is the same as other €2 coins. The design has a mintage of 500,000 pieces and will be struck at Lithuanian Mint. An additional 5000 Brilliant Uncirculated coins on colourful cards will be produced and sold at €10 each.

The coin weighs 8.5 grams and measures 25.75 mm. It will be legaltender and will circulate in all Eurozone nations.