The first, still unconfirmed details about the themes of Andorra's two 2-euro commemorative coins for 2026 are now emerging. According to these reports, the Principality of Andorra will issue its two upcoming 2-euro commemorative coins as early as November. Collectors can look forward to two issues deeply rooted in the cultural identity and history of the small Pyrenean state. The focus is on a major religious anniversary and a centuries-old farming tradition that now also enjoys international protection.
The first issue of 2026 is set to be dedicated to the country's patron saint and to one of Andorra's central architectural and spiritual landmarks. A dedicated commemorative coin is planned to mark the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the new Sanctuary of Meritxell (Santuari de Meritxell). After the original pilgrimage church, which dated back to the Romanesque period, was almost completely destroyed by a devastating fire on the night of 8 to 9 September 1972, the renowned Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill designed an impressive new building. The new sanctuary was solemnly inaugurated on 8 September 1976. It blends modern architecture harmoniously with the surrounding Pyrenean landscape and is regarded as one of the country's most important monuments.
Andorra's second commemorative coin will probably shine a light on a living intangible cultural heritage: transhumance (La transhumància), the traditional seasonal movement of livestock between pastures. For centuries, livestock farming and agriculture were Andorra's main economic activity. In this form of migratory grazing, herds are driven up to the high pastures of the Pyrenees in summer or moved across the borders to the plains of France and Spain. This historic practice has not only left the country with distinctive stone buildings, shepherds' huts and traditional blessings of the livestock, but continues to make an important contribution to sustainability, animal welfare and the preservation of the cultural landscape. At the end of 2023, transhumance was officially inscribed on UNESCO's list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The mintage of both 2-euro coins was already officially confirmed in the spring. As is usual for the microstate, it is strictly limited, at just 60,000 pieces each. Andorra has not yet released final details on the packaging variants, the designs or the exact issue dates.