Eesti Pank, Estonia's central bank, has today unveiled the design for the 2027 €2 commemorative coin celebrating Hiiumaa County. The winning entry, titled "Dageida" and created by designer Kaupo Kangro, emerged victorious from the official design competition. The motif pays tribute to the island region's varied landscapes and its rich maritime heritage.
The chosen design puts the island's most iconic landmark centre stage: the historic Kõpu Lighthouse. Built in 1531, it is regarded as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the entire Baltic Sea region and ranks among the oldest maritime navigation markers in the world. The coin also marks the official launch of a new, multi-year series from the central bank dedicated to Estonia's counties, which will gradually shine a spotlight on the cultural identity and scenic diversity of the country's various regions.
The coin's design shows the famous lighthouse surrounded by gentle sea waves. A particularly clever detail is hidden within the beams of light radiating from the tower: they echo the traditional, colourful striped pattern found on Hiiumaa's folk costume skirts. Alongside the lighthouse, the coin features the county's coat of arms and the inscription "HIIUMAA". The coordinates 58° 53′ 3″ N and 22° 38′ 40″ E pinpoint the exact geographical centre of Hiiumaa island. Along the left edge of the coin's inner ring, the country name and year of issue are also inscribed. Kangro's design beat out two other finalists: "Dagö" by Heino Prunsvelt, which took second place, and "Silmapiir" by Svetlin Georgiev Balezdrov, which came third.
A total of 1,000,000 units of the €2 commemorative coin will be minted. It is scheduled to enter circulation in 2027 and will be issued through banks and retailers across Estonia in the usual manner. Like all €2 commemorative coins, it will be legal tender throughout every country in the eurozone.
Source: Eesti Pank