Belgium 2019: Manneken Pis

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The most famous statue or fountain in Brussels is not about any "hero" but features ... a peeing little boy. Even many of those who have never been to the capital of Belgium (and, in a way, of the European Union) will know the Manneken Pis fountain in downtown Brussels.

Whether it was set up in 1619, or a little earlier or later, who cares. But to celebrate the 400th anniversary, the Belgian Mint will issue a €2.50 collector coin this year, see the attached image (Source: herdenkingsmunten.be). As far as I know, the piece will be issued, in coincards (€10) only, in late November. Here is a larger image of the "theme side" ...

Christian

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As for those 400 years, that refers to the age of the current* Manneken Pis. Apparently a similar fountain has been there since the late 14th century, see this painting from 1616 that shows the fountain (in the lower right corner) in 1615.

* What you see at that corner is a replica; the original is now in a museum.

Christian