The Euro Counter The Collectors' Journal
NEW ARRIVALS · 2026 VINTAGE
2026 2-Euro Coins: Missolonghi, Astronomy, U2, and Saint Francis of Assisi
The Comptoir de l'Euro's Selection · Information verified on September 16, 2026
Four worlds brought together in an original illustration: history, science, music, and spirituality.
A chapter in Greek history, two Belgian scientific institutions, an Irish rock legend, and a great spiritual figure: the New 2-euro coins for 2026 offer four great opportunities to expand your collection.
Le Comptoir de l’Euro presents the 2 euros Greece 2026 Missolonghi, the 2-euro coin from Belgium, 2026, dedicated to astronomy and geography, the 2 euros Ireland 2026 U2 and the 2 euros San Marino 2026 St. Francis of Assisi. Four countries, four worlds, and just as many ways to collect: this is what sets these issues apart and why you should make room for them in your 2026 collection.
01 · Greece · History & Memory
2-euro coin, Greece, 2026: The 200th Anniversary of the Fall of Missolonghi
Missolonghi · An artistic evocation of Greek memory.
Greece commemorates the the bicentennial of the evacuation of Missolonghi, also known as the Exodus from Messolonghi. On the night of April 10–11, 1826, after a long siege and as famine ravaged the city, its defenders attempted to break through enemy lines. This tragic episode became a symbol of the struggle for Greek independence and stirred deep emotion throughout Europe. The The Bank of Greece revisits this story in its commemorative program.
The 2-euro coin, Greece, 2026, Missolonghi It thus serves to link the collection with historical memory. It will naturally find its place among the coins dedicated to the major milestones in European history.
What makes this program so compelling is the story it tells. Behind the name of a city lie the courage of its people, the ordeal of a siege, and the role of remembrance in national history. Collecting this coin means preserving a tangible reminder of this event and passing on its memory.
In an album dedicated to Greece, you can pair it with other historical commemorations to create a chronological timeline. In a European collection, it opens a chapter on independence and freedom. A short description included with the coin will help maintain the connection to the year of issue 2026, the date of 1826 and the meaning of a birthday.
For fans of official presentations, the issuer plans, among other things, a coincard Brillant Universel, limited to 6,000 copies. This presentation allows you to display the coin along with its illustrated backing. The features are detailed on the Official BU Coincard Listing.
Discover our collection of commemorative 2-euro coins from Greece →
02 · Belgium · Astronomy & Geography
2-Euro Belgium 2026 Astronomy: The Royal Observatory and the IGN Take Center Stage
Belgium · Observing the Sky, Understanding the Earth.
The new Belgian product often referred to as the 2 euros Belgium 2026 Astronomy is celebrating a double anniversary: the 200 Years of the Royal Observatory of Belgium and the 50th Anniversary of the National Geographic Institute. This program is listed in the Official Program of the Royal Mint of Belgium.
Founded in 1826 on the initiative of Adolphe Quetelet, the Observatory today conducts research ranging from astronomy to solar physics, including time measurement and the study of the Earth. Its bicentennial serves as a reminder of how much observation and precision contribute to our understanding of the world. The institution showcases these activities on its page dedicated to the Observatory's 200th anniversary.
For a themed collection, this coin offers an interesting connection between astronomy, geography, and scientific heritage. It can complement a series dedicated to discoveries, researchers, or the exploration of the heavens, while also enriching an annual series of Belgian coins.
The connection between these two institutions provides the play with a central theme: observe, measure, and represent our environment. From the sky to the map, this topic invites us to take a fresh look at scientific activities that are sometimes overlooked in everyday life. It’s also a great way to introduce numismatics to a science enthusiast through a theme that aligns with their interests.
To highlight this new feature, a collection can be organized around instruments, institutions, or major scientific questions. Belgian coins thus serve as a point of convergence between several disciplines. They invite collectors to discover what each issue commemorates, beyond the country and year inscribed on the coin.
03 · Ireland · Music & Collection
2-Euro Ireland 2026 U2: Rock Music Joins Your Collection
U2 · The energy of a concert, captured in an illustration.
With the 2-euro coin, U2 2026, Ireland pays tribute to one of its most iconic bands. This official program celebrates the 50th anniversary of U2's formation in 1976. The Central Bank of Ireland announces a launch on September 25, 2026, with versions Brillant Universel and Belle Épreuve. This information is confirmed in his official announcement about U2.
In our view, its theme gives it a special appeal: this coin can appeal to both euro collectors and music enthusiasts. It makes a great gift idea for a fan of the band and offers an opportunity to start a collection centered on the artists and the show.
An album discovered as a teenager, a memorable concert, a song tied to a moment in life: the name U2 can evoke a very personal memory. This emotional dimension gives the album a special place in a collection. Alongside historical milestones and anniversaries, it brings musical culture into an object that can be preserved and passed down.
For a fan of the band who is new to numismatics, the choice might start with the presentation: a coin intended to be added to an album or a collection you’d like to display. For euro collectors, the appeal also lies in combining their two passions into a single collection, following a musical theme from one country to the next.
Do you prefer a simple, accessible collection design or a more elaborate finish? The two options listed will allow you to choose based on your budget and preferences. For the 2 euros Ireland U2, the theme song is at the heart of the joy of collecting.
Browse our selection of commemorative 2-euro coins from Ireland →
04 · San Marino · Art & Spirituality
2-Euro San Marino 2026: The 800th Anniversary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi · A symbolic scene of trust.
San Marino is issuing a new coin dedicated to 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, 1226–2026. The broadcast is scheduled for October 6, 2026, with a total authorized print run of 60,000 copies, all versions combined. The schedule and specifications are set by the Official Decree of San Marino dated September 15, 2026.
The design features the The Wolf of Gubbio Approaching the Hand of Saint Francis. The Franciscan cord with three knots, the botanical elements, and the anniversary dates complete this design described in the decree. This combination gives the coin an immediately recognizable identity and a narrative dimension.
The 2 euros San Marino 2026 St. Francis of Assisi is aimed at collectors of stamps from the microstate as well as enthusiasts of religious heritage. It allows you to build a collection centered on a historical figure, a symbol, or a spiritual theme.
The power of this subject also lies in its visual language. An outstretched hand and an approaching animal are enough to suggest a connection: the scene invites an interpretation centered on trust and calm. To fully appreciate the composition, take the time to observe the highlighted details, then consider each one within the context of the entire design.
This issue can thus fit into several different collecting themes: San Marino coins, anniversaries related to St. Francis, or animal depictions on euro coins. This last perspective offers another way to approach the theme, by examining how an animal figure contributes to the narrative and identity of a commemorative coin.
Check out our selection of commemorative 2-euro coins from San Marino →
Which new 2-euro coins from 2026 should you choose for your collection ?
These four shows cater to a variety of interests: history with Missolonghi, science with Belgium, music with U2, and religious heritage with San Marino. To make your choice, start with the theme that speaks to you, then compare the quality and presentation of each option.
A collector from a particular country will want to complete their collection of coins from that country. A fan of themed collections can pair these new releases with older coins. When giving a coin as a gift, the connection to the recipient’s interests can guide the choice just as much as the packaging.
On The Euro Counter, see the product pages for available versions, prices, and availability. The dates announced by the manufacturers are separate from the in-store arrival and shipping dates.
Check out our selection of 2026 commemorative 2-euro coins →
Frequently Asked Questions About These New Features
What does the 2026 Greek 2-euro coin commemorating Missolonghi honor ?
It commemorates the 200th anniversary of the evacuation of Missolonghi in 1826, a major event in the Greek War of Independence.
Is the 2026 Belgian coin dedicated solely to astronomy ?
It combines the 200th anniversary of the Royal Observatory of Belgium with the 50th anniversary of the National Geographic Institute; its theme therefore brings together astronomy and geography.
Why a 2-euro U2 coin in 2026 ?
Ireland is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band's formation. Its official launch is scheduled for September 25, 2026.
What anniversary is San Marino celebrating with St. Francis of Assisi ?
The coin commemorates the 800th anniversary of his death, which occurred in 1226. It is scheduled to be issued on October 6, 2026.
The images in this article are thematic and artistic illustrations. Photographs of the coins and their packaging can be viewed on the corresponding product pages.
