200 years of astronomy. 50 years of geography. A single coin.

The Federal Public Service Finance is issuing a Belgian 2-euro coin to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Geographic Institute and the 200th anniversary of the Royal Observatory of Belgium

Brussels, 25 September 2026 – To mark the 50th anniversary of the National Geographic Institute (IGN-NGI) and the 200th anniversary of the Royal Observatory of Belgium, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Finance issued, through the Royal Mint of Belgium, a special Belgian 2-euro coin. At the Royal Observatory of Belgium in Uccle, the Commissioner of Coins, Giovanni Van de Velde, officially unveiled this unique coin today and presented the first copies to Jan Jambon, Minister of Finance, and Vanessa Matz, Minister of Science Policy.

In addition to the two ministers, the Director of the Observatory, Mr Ronald Van der Linden, as well as the General Administrator of the IGN-NGI, Ms Ingrid Vanden Berghe, and a representative of the Minister of Defence – the IGN-NGI’s supervisory authority – each received a copy of this tribute to the two institutions. The commemorative 2-euro coin, which symbolically represents these two scientific organisations on the occasion of their anniversaries, is available exclusively from the Royal Mint of Belgium.

Jan Jambon, Minister of Finance : ‘For 200 years now, the Royal Observatory has been observing the sky, and for the past 50 years, the National Geographic Institute has been mapping the land beneath our feet with ever-greater precision. But the work of these two scientific institutions goes far beyond the stars and maps. Their knowledge and expertise contribute to a better understanding of societal challenges and to the search for solutions. Thanks to the Royal Mint, this constantly evolving science, which serves our society, is being honoured with an exceptional commemorative coin.’

Vanessa Matz, Minister of Public Action and Modernisation with responsibility for Science Policy : ‘An anniversary such as this is an opportunity to look back at the progress made and ahead to the path that remains to be explored. For two centuries, the Royal Observatory of Belgium and its scientists have been deepening our understanding of the Earth, the Sun and the Universe, whilst putting their knowledge at the service of society. From climate change to space exploration, their work helps us to better understand the changes that lie ahead and, above all, to anticipate them more effectively. This is also what we are celebrating as part of the ROB’s 200th anniversary: a science policy that stands the test of time and uses knowledge as a tool to prepare for the future.’

The pillars of Belgium’s scientific heritage

The Royal Observatory of Belgium was founded 200 years ago, on 8 June 1826, when King William I signed the founding charter of what was then known as the ‘Brussels Observatory’. The National Geographic Institute (IGN-NGI), established by the Act of 8 June 1976, is part of a rich military, scientific and industrial tradition dating back to Belgium’s independence.

Since their creation, these two institutions have undergone impressive development. Drawing on their respective expertise, they have contributed to Belgium’s scientific development for generations and have thus built up a considerable legacy. Their societal and scientific significance therefore extends far beyond the scope of their areas of expertise. Consequently, their activities are not limited solely to mapping our country and the universe, but also address the most pressing societal challenges of today. This is one of the main reasons why the Federal Public Service Finance has chosen to pay tribute to the National Geographic Institute and the Royal Observatory with a 2-euro coin.

Ronald Van der Linden, Director of the Observatory :  ‘The issue of this coin is an exceptional recognition of 200 years of scientific excellence. It reminds us of our rich history, but above all it turns our gaze towards the future. The Royal Observatory of Belgium will continue, over the coming decades, to conduct cutting-edge research at an international level.’

Ingrid Vanden Berghe, General Administrator of the IGN-NGI: ‘“Deeply rooted in history. Younger than ever. Ready for the future.” This is the theme of our anniversary year, which perfectly sums up what the IGN-NGI stands for today. Since its inception, innovation has been an integral part of our Institute’s DNA. By continuing to develop our services, making geographical data more accessible and constantly incorporating new knowledge and ideas, we remain ready to meet the challenges of the next 50 years.’

A coin that tells a story

The design of the Belgian 2-euro coin harmoniously brings together these two anniversaries. In the centre is the silhouette of a child standing on a map, a reference to the Geographical Institute. The child is pointing upwards, towards the universe, in reference to the Royal Observatory. This image illustrates the importance of these two institutions, particularly with a view to the future. Indeed, scientific progress never stops. Around the composition are the names of the two Belgian institutions, written in English.

Beneath the design are the country code ‘BE’, the mint mark of the Commissioner of Coins (an Erlenmeyer flask with an aster) and the mint mark of the Royal Dutch Mint, responsible for production (the caduceus).

Three versions available immediately

The Belgian 2-euro commemorative coin is available in three versions:

• Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
• Proof quality
• Reverse-polished proof quality

The BU coin is packaged in an original coin card, entirely dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the National Geographic Institute and the 200th anniversary of the Royal Observatory of Belgium, and is available in two language versions. The ‘Proof’ and ‘Reverse Polished’ editions are presented in a luxurious case. The mintage is limited to a maximum of 125,000 BU coins, 4,000 ‘Belle Épreuve’ coins and 3,500 ‘Reverse Polished’ coins. All coins are legal tender in all eurozone countries but will not be put into circulation.

Order: All versions are available from today at www.piecescommemoratives.be or www.herdenkingsmunten.be.

About the Royal Mint of Belgium

The Royal Mint of Belgium is responsible for commissioning Belgian circulation coins, their design, quality control, the detection of counterfeit coins and representing the Belgian State at international level. Since the beginning of 2018, the minting of Belgian coins and the marketing of Belgian commemorative coins have been entrusted to the Royal Dutch Mint. The King of the Belgians remains the issuing authority.

Official issues commissioned by the Royal Mint of Belgium bear the mark of the Commissioner of Coins of the Royal Mint of Belgium, Mr Giovanni Van de Velde, as well as the mark of the Royal Mint of the Netherlands. The Royal Mint of the Netherlands is one of the world’s top five producers of circulation coins, commemorative coins and collector’s items. Belgian commemorative coins are available on the website www.piecescommemoratives.be or www.herdenkingsmunten.be.