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Specifications of Euro Coins Click to return to Coin FAQsChard 24 Carat Home Page
Euro Coins Index
Common Reverse of the 2 Euro Coin
Common Reverse Design of the 2 Euro Coin

Common Reverse of the 1 Euro Coin
Common Reverse Design of the 1 Euro Coin

Common Reverse of the 50 Euro Cent Coin
Common Reverse Design of the 50 Euro Cent Coin

Common Reverse of the 20 Euro Cent Coin
Common Reverse Design of the 20 Euro Cent Coin

Common Reverse of the 10 Euro Cent Coin
Common Reverse Design of the 10 Euro Cent Coin

Common Reverse of the 5 Euro Cent Coin
Common Reverse Design of the 5 Euro Cent Coin

Common Reverse of the 2 Euro Cent Coin
Common Reverse Design of the 2 Euro Cent Coin

Common Reverse of the 1 Euro Cent Coin
Common Reverse Design of the 1 Euro Cent Coin

Euro Coins Specifications
There are 8 different euro coins denominations. These are 2 and 1 euros, then 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents, one of each totals 3.88 euro. They are currently being produced and stockpiled by the Central Banks of the Eurozone states, and will enter circulation on January 1st 2002. Within a few months, all previous national coins will be withdrawn.

Common Reverse Designs
Every euro coin will carry a common European face.
On the obverse (head) side, each Member State will decorate the coins with their own motifs. No matter which motif is on the coins they can be used anywhere inside the 12 Member States. For example, a French citizen will be able to buy a hot dog in Berlin using a euro coin carrying the imprint of the King of Spain.

Design Selection Process
Each of the member states were invited to submit up to three series of designs for the common reverse designs. The designs had to fit into one of three themes, architectural and ornamental, aims and ideals of the European union, or European personalities. A total of 36 different design series were submitted and considered. Nine of these were then put forward for opinion poll testing before the selection of the eventually successful design.

Design Symbolism
The common European face of the coins represents a map of the European Union against a background of transverse lines to which are attached the stars of the European flag. The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins put emphasis on Europe's place in the world while the 10, 20 and 50 present the Union as a gathering of nations. The 1 and 2 euro coins depict Europe without frontiers. Final designs were agreed at the European Council meeting in Amsterdam in June 1997.

Designer
The designer of the Euro coin common reverse designs is Luc Luycx of the Belgian Royal Mint.

The Euro Symbol
The graphic symbol for the euro looks like an E with two clearly marked, horizontal parallel lines across it. It was inspired by the Greek letter epsilon, in reference to the cradle of European civilisation and to the first letter of the word 'Europe'. The parallel lines represent the stability of the euro. The official abbreviation for the euro is 'EUR'. It has been registered with the International Standards Organisation (ISO), and will be used for all business, financial and commercial purposes, just as the terms 'FRF' (French franc), 'DEM' (Deutschmark), 'GBP' (pound sterling) and 'BEF' (Belgian franc) are used today.

The Twelve Euro Zone Members
12 Member States participating at the euro from 1 January 1999:-

Timetable
January 1st 1999 - The euro became a valid giro currency, together with the individual national currencies.
January 1st 2002 - Euro single giro currency; emission of euro coins and notes.
July 1st 2002 (Latest) - Individual currencies disappear forever. It is expected that the complete withdrawal of previous coins and notes will take place much more rapidly, within about two months instead of the six months allowed.

Euro Coin Specifications
To see the relative sizes of the eight coins more clearly, please look at our Euro Coin Sizes page.
Specifications
DenomDiamThickWghtShapeColourCompEdge
2 Euro25.751.958.50RoundOuter White Inner YellowOuter Cupro-nickel
Inner 3 Layers:- Nickel Brass, Nickel, Nickel Brass		Lettered, Milled
1 Euro23.752.1257.50RoundOuter White Inner YellowOuter Cupro-nickel
Inner 3 Layers:- Nickel Brass, Nickel, Nickel Brass		Interrupted Milling
50 Cent24.251.887.80RoundYellow"Nordic Gold"Shaped- Fine Scallops
20 Cent22.251.635.74Spanish FlowerYellow"Nordic Gold"Plain
10 Cent19.251.514.10RoundYellow"Nordic Gold"Shaped- Fine Scallops
5 Cent21.251.363.92RoundRedCopper Plated SteelSmooth
2 Cent18.751.363.06RoundRedCopper Plated SteelGrooved
1 Cent16.251.362.30RoundRedCopper Plated SteelSmooth

Notes on Table
Denom = Denomination (Face Value).
Diam = Diameter in millimetres.
Thick = Thickness (Depth) in millimetres.
Wght = Weight in grams.
Comp = Alloy Composition

More about the EuroZone

For Photos & Information about Each Eurozone Country
Eurozone Countries
Austria
Belgium
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Luxemburg
Netherlands
Portugal
Spain

1992 England Pattern ECU's

World Coins & Sets - Who Issued What?

Euro Coins Index


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