Portugal · 730th anniversary of the founding of the University of Coimbra

Issue date1 Sept 2020

Total mintage359,924

EU maximum360,000

Editions3

Edge lettering5 Wappenschilde + 7 castles, evenly distributed

InscriptionUNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA 730 ANOS PORTUGAL 2020

DesignerJosé João de Brito

mintImprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda S.A., Lisboa

Issue occasion

The commemorative coin marks the 730th anniversary of the University of Coimbra. The design shows the university’s bell tower as well as several triangles symbolizing its roofs; the highest represents the roof of the Joanina Library. Between them is the inscription “UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA 730 ANOS PORTUGAL 2020”.

The design

The coin design depicts the bell tower of the University of Coimbra and several triangles symbolizing the roofs of the University of Coimbra. The highest of them belongs to the Joanina Library. Between the triangles is the inscription “UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA 730 ANOS PORTUGAL 2020” (University of Coimbra 730 years Portugal 2020).

The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the coin’s outer ring.

Background on the topic

The university traces its origins to a “Studium Generale” founded by King Dinis in 1290. Teaching initially began in Lisbon. Over the following centuries, the university moved several times between Lisbon and Coimbra until King João III permanently established it in Coimbra in 1537. It is therefore one of the oldest universities still in existence in Europe.

Its historic core is located in the Upper Town of Coimbra, on the site of a former royal palace. The present-day Paço das Escolas combines buildings from different periods. The bell tower, erected in the 18th century, served not only as an architectural landmark. Its bells regulated the academic daily routine and announced, among other things, the beginning and end of classes. One of the bells is known by the nickname “Cabra” and also plays a role in student traditions.

The Biblioteca Joanina was likewise built in the early 18th century during the reign of King João V, after whom it is named. The Baroque library building houses historic book collections and reflects the university’s role as a place of collecting and transmitting knowledge. The university, the Upper Town and Rua da Sofia, which is associated with the university, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

Over the centuries, Coimbra trained members of the clergy, lawyers, doctors, administrative officials and scholars. As a result, the university influenced state institutions and Portugal’s education system, as well as regions of the Portuguese-speaking world. At the same time, distinctive academic customs developed, including traditional dress, Fado de Coimbra and student graduation celebrations.

The anniversary year 2020 directly referred to the foundation in 1290. The choice of this occasion reflects the institution’s great age and its longstanding role in Portugal’s higher education and cultural life. The architectural forms depicted represent the historic university complex, where a royal past, academic daily life and book culture come together.