Deutsch
English
Français
Español
Italiano
Nederlands
Português
Slovenčina
Hrvatski
Slovenščina
Lietuvių
Eesti
Български
CC 568 2025
Coincard
BU Französisch
Coincard – French version
Belgium · Spa-Francorchamps race track
Mintage75,000
Issue price€11.00
Issue date25 Jul 2025
PackagingCoincard
Edge lettering2 ★ ★ × 6, alternating upright/inverted
Market price€11.90
Mintage information from source: Gesamt 150.000 · 1:1 auf NL/FR geteilt
Issue occasion
The commemorative coin honours the Belgian motor racing circuit Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which opened in 1921. The design shows its current track layout, the total length of 7,004 metres, the opening year “1921” and the inscription “CIRCUIT DE SPA FRANCORCHAMPS”.
The design
The coin design depicts the current layout of the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack in the centre. On the left side of the coin, the total length of the racetrack (in metres), “7.004 M”, and below it the year the track opened, “1921”, are shown.
Above the racetrack is “CIRCUIT DE SPA FRANCORCHAMPS”. At the bottom edge of the coin, the country code “BE” and the year of issue “2025” can be seen between the mint mark of the Belgian mint director (aster flower in front of an Erlenmeyer flask) and the mint mark of Utrecht (caduceus) (as the Royal Dutch Mint strikes the coins). On the right side of the coin are the initials of the coin designer, Iris Bruijns.
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the outer ring of the coin.
Above the racetrack is “CIRCUIT DE SPA FRANCORCHAMPS”. At the bottom edge of the coin, the country code “BE” and the year of issue “2025” can be seen between the mint mark of the Belgian mint director (aster flower in front of an Erlenmeyer flask) and the mint mark of Utrecht (caduceus) (as the Royal Dutch Mint strikes the coins). On the right side of the coin are the initials of the coin designer, Iris Bruijns.
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the outer ring of the coin.
Background on the topic
The racetrack is located in the Ardennes near the towns of Francorchamps, Stavelot and Malmedy. Its original course consisted largely of public country roads that were connected to form a triangle around 15 kilometres long. The hilly terrain, fast corners and frequently changing weather conditions shaped the character of the races. The name “Spa” refers to the nearby spa town, although the track is not located directly in its centre.
As early as the 1920s, several racing traditions that continue to this day were established. The 24 Hours of Spa (24-Stunden-Rennen von Spa) was held for the first time in 1924. One year later, the first Belgian Grand Prix (Großer Preis von Belgien) for automobiles took place there. Since the establishment of the Formula One World Championship in 1950, Spa-Francorchamps has been among its venues, with interruptions. The circuit is also used for endurance races, motorcycle races and other motorsport events.
The old road circuit was increasingly regarded as dangerous because of its high speeds, limited run-off areas and inadequate safety provisions. Following serious accidents and growing safety requirements, the layout was fundamentally changed. At the end of the 1970s, a significantly shorter course was created, connecting parts of the historic track with newly built sections. Further modifications were subsequently made to corners, pit facilities and safety areas.
One of the best-known sections is the Eau Rouge/Raidillon combination. Eau Rouge is named after a small iron-bearing stream; immediately afterwards, the Raidillon climbs steeply uphill. In common usage, the entire sequence of corners is often referred to as Eau Rouge. Other traditional section names include La Source, Les Combes, Blanchimont and Stavelot.
The choice of this subject for the coin is connected with Belgium’s long motorsport history and the circuit’s international presence. The year of issue also coincides with the centenary of the first Belgian Grand Prix (Großer Preis von Belgien) held at Spa-Francorchamps in 1925. The coin can therefore also be understood as a commemoration of a century of Grand Prix tradition at this location.
As early as the 1920s, several racing traditions that continue to this day were established. The 24 Hours of Spa (24-Stunden-Rennen von Spa) was held for the first time in 1924. One year later, the first Belgian Grand Prix (Großer Preis von Belgien) for automobiles took place there. Since the establishment of the Formula One World Championship in 1950, Spa-Francorchamps has been among its venues, with interruptions. The circuit is also used for endurance races, motorcycle races and other motorsport events.
The old road circuit was increasingly regarded as dangerous because of its high speeds, limited run-off areas and inadequate safety provisions. Following serious accidents and growing safety requirements, the layout was fundamentally changed. At the end of the 1970s, a significantly shorter course was created, connecting parts of the historic track with newly built sections. Further modifications were subsequently made to corners, pit facilities and safety areas.
One of the best-known sections is the Eau Rouge/Raidillon combination. Eau Rouge is named after a small iron-bearing stream; immediately afterwards, the Raidillon climbs steeply uphill. In common usage, the entire sequence of corners is often referred to as Eau Rouge. Other traditional section names include La Source, Les Combes, Blanchimont and Stavelot.
The choice of this subject for the coin is connected with Belgium’s long motorsport history and the circuit’s international presence. The year of issue also coincides with the centenary of the first Belgian Grand Prix (Großer Preis von Belgien) held at Spa-Francorchamps in 1925. The coin can therefore also be understood as a commemoration of a century of Grand Prix tradition at this location.