100th Birthday of Prince Rainier III

Portrait of Prince Rainier III, with the commemorative inscription "RAINIER III 31 Mai 1923" below between lozenges, the issuing state "MONACO" and the year "2023", together with the mintmarks of the Monnaie de Paris and Master Engraver Joaquin Jimenez above the design.

Prince Rainier III (1923–2005) ascended the throne in 1949 as successor to his grandfather Louis II and ruled Monaco for 56 years – one of the longest reigns in Europe. He is regarded as the "Builder Prince" (Prince Bâtisseur), because he freed the principality from its dependence on the casino and developed it into a diversified centre for tourism, finance and services. Under him, the Fontvieille district was created through land reclamation, and in 1962 he gave the country a new constitution.

Rainier III drew worldwide attention in 1956 through his marriage to the American actress Grace Kelly, who became Princess Gracia Patricia. The marriage produced the children Caroline, Albert – today's Prince Albert II – and Stéphanie. Rainier III died on 6 April 2005. The 2023 Monegasque €2 commemorative coin marks his 100th birthday on 31 May 1923.