The original statue dates back to the 12th century. She was canonically crowned in 1921 and is the patron saint of Andorra.
The chapel that housed the statue burned down on September 8, 1972, but a copy of the statue was installed in the new basilica of Meritxell.
Andorra issued a special 2 euro coin in 2021 dedicated to Our Lady of Meritxell (Mare de Deu de Meritxell). This coin was issued to celebrate the centenary of the canonical coronation of the statue of the Virgin Mary, which took place on September 8, 1921, when Pope Benedict XV placed a crown on her.
The obverse of this 2 euro coin of 2021 depicts the statue of Our Lady of Meritxell. In the background is the interior of the chapel that houses the statue. In addition, the years 1921 and 2021 are indicated along with the name of the country - Andorra. The coin is presented in a luxurious numbered plastic blister and has a mintage of only 3,750 pieces.
-200x200.jpg "Vatican 5 euro proof 2021 - 500th Anniversary of the Death of Pope Leo X")
