The Charles V €2 coin is a tribute to the most powerful ruler of the 16th century. He was elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1519. His imposing empire extended from Spain to the Americas and Germany, earning it the description “the empire on which the sun never sets”. His reign was characterised by political and religious conflicts, including struggles with the Reformation and the defence of the Catholic faith. His influence on European history is unforgettable, and his rule laid foundations for the formation of the modern European state system. Charles V was an important figure during the Renaissance and Reformation, influencing the entire continent.
