The reverse of the coin beautifully depicts the captivating story of the Seduction of Europa, a tale rooted in Greco-Roman mythology. Often interpreted as the cunning abduction of Europa from the Phoenician Empire, the story also symbolizes her triumph, as she “overcame the bull’s horns with flowers,” representing the power of nature and love. Europa embodies the feminine strength of the moon, whose gentle compassion enchanted the mighty sun god Zeus. Her journey westward not only inspired the naming of the European continent but also brought significant contributions, such as the alphabet and the shipbuilding expertise of the seafaring Phoenicians.
The obverse features the Coat of Arms of Le Grand Mint, along with the inscriptions: “PER ASPERA AD ASTRA” – the Latin motto, “50 Livre” – the face value, and “1 G 9999 OR PUR” – the weight and purity of the gold.
