Representing the Founding Act
by Françoise from association Les Amis de l’Euro.
The origins of a country's functioning system often lie in an agreement, a document whose content has been discussed and whose result is the founding act of the State.
What is special, and sometimes surprising, is the way this founding act is represented on some commemorative 2 euro coins. Half a dozen of these coins represent the founding act: let's focus on three of them, which are completely different. Starting from the most explicit to the most hermetic, they were minted by Italy, Austria and Finland.
First, the 2018 Italian coin, which celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Constitution's entry into force in 1947.
Image 1. “70th Anniversary of the entry into force of the Italian Constitution”, 2 Euro 2018, Italy. NumisCorner
It could hardly be more realistic. Everyone understands that this is the signing of an important document. The three figures, even if their names do not appear on the coin, are perfectly identifiable: seated in the center is Enrico De Nicola, provisional head of the Italian state, to his right Alcide de Gasperi, head of the government, and to his left Umberto Terracini, president of the Constituent Assembly.
A very explicit, unambiguous coin, with no artistic significance whatsoever, which more or less reproduces the photo of the event.
Austria presented things differently, in its 2005 coin celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the State Treaty that restored the country's independence on May 15, 1955.
What is shown is not the ratification of the act, but the result: the final document. The signatures of the foreign ministers of the occupying powers, among others, can be identified with a little effort: John Foster Dulles (USA), Antoine Pinay (France), Vyacheslav Molotov (USSR) and Harold McMillan (UK).
Like the Italian coin, the Austrian coin reproduces a photo of the subject, but the rendering is, in my opinion, more artistic than on the Italian coin.
And finally, something quite different in Finland in 2019, when the country celebrates its Constitution.
The three rounds/circles/balls at the center are supposed to represent the three powers (legislative, executive and judicial) whose separation ensures the democratic functioning of a country.
I wrote above about the Italian coin: “a very explicit, unambiguous coin, with no artistic significance whatsoever”. In the case of the Finnish coin, I'd say “not very explicit, highly ambiguous, probably based on an artistic concept”.
Where the Italian and Austrian coins were comprehensible, the Finnish coin is completely unabashedly abstract: you'd be hard-pressed to find a photo that served as a model for the graphics. And without an explanation, one doesn't immediately think of the Constitution...
We thus have a gradation in the representation of the founding act on these three coins, from the most legible to the most impenetrable, from the most realistic to the most abstract, from the least debatable to the most audacious.
It's all a matter of taste... my preference is clearly for the Finnish coin.
Written by Les Amis de l’Euro.
The article is provided by Les Amis de l’Euro. The French association established in 2003, has 1,300 members across Europe (among others) and a team of volunteer specialists dedicated to serving Euro collectors.
The Association has defined four objectives:
Information: Collecting as much information as possible about euro coins and banknotes and making it available on their website.
Engagement: Creating and maintaining connections among members, answering their questions, and managing a discussion forum.
Collection Management: Regularly updating an online catalogue, facilitating bulk orders for members to secure euros at favourable rates, and regularly issuing numismatic items featuring the association's insignia.
Representation: Thanks to the number and expertise of its members, the association represents collectors to the European Central Bank, the European Commission, and the press, among others. The association also participates in major French and international trade shows.
