Luxembourg is set to introduce new euro coins bearing the likeness of Grand Duke Guillaume, which will gradually enter circulation starting 13 July.
The issuance marks the end of a numismatic era, as Grand Duke Henri had been the head of state depicted on all of Luxembourg's euro coins since the currency was launched in 2002.
Following Grand Duke Henri's abdication in October 2025, the Grand Duchy's euro coins will now reflect the change on the throne. The new national side of Luxembourg's euro coins was designed by Italian artist Chiara Principe, who brings considerable experience to the project – having previously designed a 2-euro commemorative coin for the Vatican in 2021.
The portrait of Grand Duke Guillaume was based on photographs provided by the Maison du Grand-Duc. In keeping with monarchical tradition, Guillaume V faces the opposite direction from his predecessor: while Grand Duke Henri looked to the right, the new coins show Grand Duke Guillaume looking to the left.
Luxembourg will maintain its traditional system of three different designs based on coin denomination: one for coins worth 1 to 5 cents, another for 10- to 50-cent coins, and a third for €1 and €2 coins.
For the collector coins, a separate artist was commissioned – Helmut Andexlinger, an engraver at Münze Österreich in Austria.
Luxembourg was an early adopter of the euro, officially joining when the currency was introduced on 1 January 2002. All Luxembourgish coins at the time featured the portrait of Grand Duke Henri, designed by local artist Yvette Gastauer-Claire.
Notably, Luxembourg does not operate its own mint; the first euro coins were struck in the Netherlands until 2004, and subsequently in Finland between 2005 and 2006. For the initial issuance, approximately ten million Luxembourgish coins entered circulation – a comparatively modest figure next to larger neighbouring countries.
By contrast, France minted over seven billion euro coins for the launch, and Belgium more than one billion. Luxembourg's relatively small requirement was due to its significantly smaller population and its long-standing currency union with Belgium.
Since 2004, Luxembourg has issued numerous 2-euro commemorative coins. The first of these was dedicated to Grand Duke Henri and featured his monogram.
New editions have been released every year since, including a coin marking Guillaume's 25th birthday in 2006, one depicting the Grand Ducal Palace in 2007, another featuring Colmar-Berg Castle in 2008, and a particularly popular issue commemorating the wedding of Guillaume and Stéphanie in 2012.
Among collectors, limited-edition silver and gold coins are especially prized. Luxembourg regularly issues such special collector coins, often drawing on themes from the country's history, its monarchy, or its cultural heritage.
Luxembourg's euro coins serve a distinctive purpose: the constitution stipulates that they must bear the likeness of the reigning Grand Duke or Grand Duchess. This constitutional requirement is precisely why a new design became necessary following the change of sovereign.
For many numismatists, the transition marks a minor historic milestone. The old coins featuring Grand Duke Henri will, of course, remain legal tender and can continue to be used without restriction.
