Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre Grimaldi was born in the spring of 1958, the firstborn son of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and the famous American actress Grace Kelly. He spent his childhood in the marble halls of the palace and on the sunny slopes of the Côte d'Azur, inheriting both his mother's charm and his father's statesmanlike wisdom. Although raised as an heir to the throne, Albert was already interested in world affairs at a young age: he continued his studies in the United States, earned a degree, and joined the Olympic bobsleigh team, proudly representing Monaco at several Winter Olympics. In the spring of 2005, upon the death of his father, Prince Albert took over the responsibility of governing his small but significant country. Under his reign, Monaco took a new direction. Albert became not only a keeper of traditions, but also a master builder of the future. In his early years, he founded the Prince Albert II Foundation, which fights to protect the Earth's freshwater treasures, seas, forests and climate. He proved his courage not only in governance, but also in the harsh regions of nature: he traveled to the North and South Poles on an icebreaker to see the signs of global warming with his own eyes. The monarch found a partner in 2011 in the person of Charlene Wittstock, a South African swimmer. Their wedding - with its pomp and a meeting of cultures - received international attention, and the princely couple were soon blessed with two children: Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, who will follow in his father's footsteps in the order of succession to the throne. Prince Albert was never satisfied with the glory of the present: he also shaped his city. The Mareterra project is a new part of the city reclaimed from the sea, where tree plantations, modern architecture and sustainability meet. It opens a new chapter in the history of Monaco – not only as a prince, but also as a visionary urban planner. The relationship between Monaco and France was given a new impetus when President Emmanuel Macron paid an official visit to the Principality in 2025 – after more than four decades. Prince Albert’s diplomatic engagement, Olympic activity and environmental commitment all testify to the fact that he is more than a monarch – he is a modern, responsible leader who wants to make the world a better place.

When Albert II ascended the throne in 2005, Monaco continued to mint money as part of the eurozone, although it is not a member of the EU. Monaco issues its own euro coins, which are particularly sought after by collectors. General characteristics Denomination: 2 euros Material: Bimetallic – nickel brass core, copper-nickel ring Diameter: 25.75 mm Weight: 8.5 g Edge: Inscribed – with the pattern “2 ★★ 2 ★★ 2 ★★...” Mint: Monnaie de Paris (France) Obverse: II. Portrait of Prince Albert looking right, inscription: "MONACO" and the year, designer: Pierre JauvaudinReverse: Map of Europe without borders, inscription: "2 EURO", designer: Luc LuycxIn some years they were only issued in collector's sets (e.g. 2013, 2017).The proof and BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) versions are particularly valuable.The price of rarer vintages can reach several tens of euros on the collector's market.