Belgium's first 2-euro commemorative coin for 2026 has been issued. The coin's theme is "100 Years of Belgian National Railways NMBS/SNCB." The obverse features the centenary figure "100" at its centre, with the two zeroes forming the infinity symbol, conveying continuous movement, connectivity and an unbroken journey. Emerging from the logo are a 1926 locomotive and a 2026 M7-series double-deck electric multiple unit. Along the upper rim appear the railway company's logo – designed in 1935 by illustrator Jean De Roy – flanked by the years "1926" and "2026." The country code "BE" and the mint marks of the Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt and incumbent Belgian mintmaster Giovanni Van de Velde appear at the bottom. The twelve stars of the European flag are on the outer ring. Designed once again by Iris Bruijns, as in previous years, the coin is issued with a total mintage of 157,000, including 75,000 each in Flemish and French-language BU coincards and 7,000 in proof (4,000 proof and 3,000 reverse proof). Whether a further 2 million circulation coins will follow, as in past years, has not yet been announced.
The Belgian national railway operator, today known as NMBS/SNCB (Dutch: Nationale Maatschappij der Belgische Spoorwegen / French: Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges), was established in 1926 to unify and modernise rail services across Belgium. From its origins with steam locomotives to modern high-speed rail, the SNCB has been a constant driving force in railway development. The centenary honours a century of reliable mobility and the railway's vital role in Belgium's economy, society and sustainable transport.