⁣⁢Since 1945, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has listed sites as "World Heritage." The goal of this program is to classify, name, and preserve cultural or natural properties of importance to the common heritage of humanity.
The program was founded by the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted at the UNESCO General Conference on November 16, 1972.⁤⁣

OBVERSE

The obverse of the coin highlights Guimarães Castle, positioned on the left. A foundational symbol of Portuguese history, it evokes the origins of the kingdom and the emergence of national identity. Beside it is Afonso I, the first King of Portugal, whose reign is intimately linked to the nation's birth. On the right side of the composition, the Belém Tower, in turn, recalls Portugal's influence beyond its borders, driven by the great maritime discoveries and its openness to the world. The presence of Joseph I, King of Portugal and the Algarves from 1750 to 1777, illustrates the continuity of the country's history through the centuries. The ensemble thus highlights Guimarães and Lisbon, the former and current capitals of Portugal. Through these two major sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the coin celebrates both the origins of Portugal and its lasting influence.

REVERSE

The reverse is common to all coins in the UNESCO World Heritage series. It depicts the globe with parallels and meridians on the left side and inscriptions of major sites classified as UNESCO World Heritage on the right. These inscriptions appear as if carved in stone, echoing the Rosetta Stone. The left side of the globe is surrounded by the UNESCO logo and the marking "World Heritage." The face value is inscribed on the left side of the globe, blending perfectly with the parallels and meridians.