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Euro Coins 2002

 

Photos & Information about Each Eurozone Country
 

€ = Euro

 

Eurozone Countries and their Coins.

  

  

Photos of Eurozone Banknotes

 

Euro Banknotes

 

General 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.

Common Reverse Designs
Every euro coin carries a common European face.
On the obverse (head) side, each Member State have decorated the coins with their own motifs. No matter which motif is on the coins they can be used anywhere inside the 12 Member States. Other Countries have already desided to accept the coins as valid payment. For example, a Italian 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:-

  • België / Belgique
  • Deutschland / Germany
  • España / Spain
  • France
  • Greece / Hellas
  • Ireland / Eire
  • Italia / Italy
  • Luxembourg
  • Nederland / Netherlands / Holland
  • Österreich / Austria
  • Portugal
  • Suomi / Finland
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 was expected that the complete withdrawal of previous coins and notes would take place much more rapidly, within about two months instead of the six months allowed.

 

Euro Coin Details

 

Denom

Diam

 Thick Wght Shape Colour Comp Edge
2 Euro 25.75 1.95 8.50 Round Outer White Inner Yellow Outer Cupro-nickel
Inner 3 Layers:- Nickel Brass, Nickel, Nickel Brass		 Lettered, Milled
1 Euro 23.75 2.125 7.50 Round Outer Yellow Inner White Outer Cupro-nickel
Inner 3 Layers:- Nickel Brass, Nickel, Nickel Brass		 Interrupted Milling
50 Cent 24.25 1.88 7.80 Round Yellow "Nordic Gold" Shaped- Fine Scallops
20 Cent 22.25 1.63 5.74 Spanish Flower Yellow "Nordic Gold" Plain
10 Cent 19.25 1.51 4.10 Round Yellow "Nordic Gold" Shaped- Fine Scallops
5 Cent 21.25 1.36 3.92 Round Red Copper Plated Steel Smooth
2 Cent 18.75 1.36 3.06 Round Red Copper Plated Steel Grooved
1 Cent 16.25 1.36 2.30 Round Red Copper Plated Steel Smooth

 

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

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