2027 – Slovenia – 100th anniversary of the birth of Ančka Gošnik Godec

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Introduction

In 2027, Slovenia is issuing a 2-euro commemorative coin to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ančka Gošnik Godec. This artist is one of the most significant illustrators in Slovenian children’s literature. The issue thus pays tribute to a creator whose drawings have accompanied several generations of children.

Born in 1927, Ančka Gošnik Godec (1927–2025) dedicated a large part of her career to illustrating fairy tales and children’s books. Her artistic world is distinguished, in particular, by the gentleness of her characters and the richness of their expressions. Furthermore, her compositions combine realistic elements with a poetic, wondrous atmosphere. Over the decades, she thus contributed to the development of Slovenian illustration and its cultural reach.

Among her most famous works are the illustrations for Muca Copatarica, a children’s story written by Ela Peroci. Published in 1957, the book tells the tale of a cat who collects slippers left behind by untidy children. Through her drawings, Ančka Gošnik Godec brought to life a character who has since become iconic in Slovenian literature. Consequently, this piece celebrates her artistic legacy and her enduring influence on the collective imagination.

Coin Description

The obverse of the coin depicts Muca Copatarica, the famous cat from children’s stories illustrated by Ančka Gošnik Godec. The character occupies the center of the coin, standing on its hind legs. Its slightly tilted head, large pointed ears, and expressive eyes give it a particularly endearing appearance. Furthermore, its whiskers and delicately engraved fur make the character instantly recognizable. In this way, the depiction evokes the warm and poetic world of the illustrator.

The cat wears a simple dress, the triangular shape of which accentuates the character’s childlike silhouette. At her feet, one can also see small slippers—a direct reference to the story of Muca Copatarica. Furthermore, her long tail extends toward the right, ending in a small decorative motif. The overall effect evokes the whimsy and tenderness that characterize the original illustrations; indeed, the drawing favors fluid lines and a gentle expression, remaining true to the spirit of the tale.

On the left side of the central disc are the inscriptions “ANČKA GOŠNIK GODEC” and “1927” representing the illustrator’s name and her year of birth. On the right appears the inscription “SLOVENIJA 2027” indicating the issuing country and the year of issue. Finally, the outer ring features the twelve stars of the European Union, in accordance with the specifications for 2-euro coins.

The composition is also distinguished by a vertical separation between two surfaces with different visual treatments. This arrangement highlights the silhouette of Muca Copatarica and the commemorative inscriptions. Furthermore, the absence of complex ornamentation focuses attention on the character. In this way, the coin preserves the spirit of the original illustrations while adopting a contemporary numismatic presentation.

Designers Daniela Vidmar Podboj and Tomaž Podboj conceived this design, which won the competition organized by the Bank of Slovenia. Their concept favors a joyful and instantly recognizable depiction. Consequently, this issue serves as a tribute to imagination, children’s literature, and Slovenia’s artistic heritage.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2-euro commemorative coin issued by Slovenia in 2027 celebrates the centenary of the birth of Ančka Gošnik Godec. Through the depiction of Muca Copatarica, this issue pays tribute to a major artist in the field of children’s book illustration.

Furthermore, the choice of this character highlights the importance of folktales in the transmission of cultural values ​​and traditions. Indeed, the illustrations by Ančka Gošnik Godec have left their mark on the childhoods of many generations of Slovenian readers. Moreover, their gentleness and expressiveness continue to captivate audiences.

Thus, this piece serves as a tribute to an illustrator whose work holds an essential place in Slovenia’s cultural heritage. It also highlights the role of children’s literature in developing the imagination and passing on stories. Finally, this commemoration keeps alive the memory of an artist who profoundly enriched the world of European illustration.

Issuing Country:
Issue Date:	2027
Total Mintage:	1.000.000
including Proof:	–
including BU:	–
including UNC:	–
Engraver:	Daniela Vidmar Podboj et Tomaž Podboj
Edge:
Rarity:
Official Journal:	To be defined on EUR-Lex

Would you like to know the technical specifications of this coin? Do not hesitate to consult the page dedicated to the characteristics of a 2 euro coin.