Portugal 5 Euro 2017 The Future

Portugal has launched a new series of Euro coins which have æThe FutureÆ as a theme. The underlying thought is also to make the youth more interested in coins. A currency is of course a means of payment, but it is also a collective item and even be object of art. With effect from the year 2017 a city is chosen wherein which a contest is written to design a coin. The assignment was literally: "Draw a coin". The first city was Setubal and no less than 800 students from different schools submitted their designs. The winner was Martim Estanislau from the village of Azeitão near Setubal. The theme of the coin is the past and the future. On the face of the coin, the past is characterized by wars and deaths. The texts "Isto é o Passado" (This is the past) and "Cheio de Guerros e de Mortes" (full of war and death) are printed. This is depicted by two figures with a sword. At the top of the coin is the value of 5 Euro and at the bottom of the coin is the year 2017. The reverse of the coin is much happier. This depicts a future without war, with peace, freedom and equality for all. A couple of children holding balloons are portrayed. Furthermore, the texts "Isto é o Futuro" (This is the future) and "Compar liberdade e igualdade tot totos" (Freedom and Equality for all) are shown. At the top of the coin is the country name of Portugal, while at the bottom of the coin is the coat of arms of Portugal.