Portugal · Guimarães, European Capital of Culture

Issue date21 Jun 2012

Total mintage515,759

EU maximum520,000

Editions3

Edge lettering5 Wappenschilde + 7 castles, evenly distributed

InscriptionPortugal / José de Guimarães

DesignerJosé de Guimarães

mintImprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda S.A., Lisboa

Issue occasion

The coin commemorates Guimarães in northern Portugal as the 2012 European Capital of Culture. The design features three significant symbols of the city: King Afonso Henriques with his sword and part of the castle. It also shows the Portuguese coat of arms, the logo of Guimarães as the 2012 European Capital of Culture, and the name of the artist José de Guimarães.

The design

The coin depicts three of the most important symbols of Guimarães: King Afonso Henriques and his sword, as well as part of the castle. The Portuguese coat of arms is engraved on the left, with the issuing country “Portugal” below it. At the bottom right are the logo of Guimarães as European Capital of Culture 2012 and the name of the artist: José de Guimarães.
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the coin’s outer ring.

Background on the topic

Guimarães is often referred to in Portugal as the “Cradle of the Nation”. This designation is connected with the emergence of the Portuguese monarchy in the 12th century. The Battle of São Mamede took place near the city in 1128. In it, Afonso Henriques prevailed against the supporters of his mother Teresa and against the political influence of neighbouring Galicia. This conflict was an important step towards the County of Portugal breaking away from the Kingdom of León. Portugal was subsequently recognised as an independent kingdom in a lengthy political process.

Afonso Henriques was a son of Henry of Burgundy, Count of Portugal, and Teresa of León. He became the first King of Portugal and ruled during much of the 12th century. Under his leadership, Portuguese-controlled territory expanded southwards in the course of the conflicts against Muslim-ruled territories. His connection with Guimarães is based primarily on the role of the city and its surroundings in the early conflicts over his rule.

Guimarães Castle dates back to a fortification established in the 10th century at the instigation of Countess Mumadona Dias. It was intended to protect a nearby monastery and the settlement that was emerging. The complex was later rebuilt several times and became associated with the history of the first Portuguese rulers. Together with the medieval old town, it shapes Guimarães’s historical identity. The historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.

The title “European Capital of Culture (Europäische Kulturhauptstadt)” is awarded annually by the European Union to selected cities. The aim is a cultural programme with a European dimension, often also encompassing new cultural institutions and urban renewal projects. Guimarães shared the title in the year concerned with the Slovenian city of Maribor. The coin issue combined the European Year of Culture with motifs referring to the formation of the Portuguese state and local history. José de Guimarães is a Portuguese visual artist who chose his artist’s name after his home city.