2 euro commemorative coins

€2 commemorative coins are special euro coins that have been minted and issued by member states of the eurozone since 2004 as legal tender in all eurozone member states.

€2 coins are the only denomination intended for circulation that may be issued as commemorative coins. Only the national obverse sides of the commemorative coins differ; the common reverse sides do not. The coins typically commemorate the anniversaries of historical events or current events of special importance.

Since 2012, the number of commemorative coins has been limited to two per country per year; previously only one was allowed. Issues of common commemoratives or a vacant head of state do not count towards the limit. The total number of commemorative coins placed in circulation per year is also limited. The commemorative coins must follow the design standards stipulated for regular €2 coins, with design limitations to guarantee uniformity.

Up to the end of 2023, 513 variations of €2 commemorative coins have been issued. Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, San Marino and the Vatican City are the only countries to have released at least one commemorative coin every year since 2004.

Though they have become collectibles, €2 commemoratives are different from non-standard denomination commemorative euro coins, which are officially designated as "collector coins", not intended for circulation and usually made of precious metals.[1]

Color-coded map* of eurozone countries by number of €2 commemorative coins issued *State 29 January 2024
  37 to 40 coins issued
  33 to 36 coins issued
  29 to 32 coins issued
  25 to 28 coins issued
  21 to 24 coins issued
  17 to 20 coins issued
  13 to 16 coins issued
  9 to 12 coins issued
  5 to 8 coins issued
  1 to 4 coins issued
  not part of the eurozone

Regulations and restrictions[edit]

Commemorative coins shall bear a different national design from that of the regular coins and shall only commemorate subjects of major national or European relevance. Commemorative coins issued collectively by all Member States whose currency is the euro shall only commemorate subjects of the highest European relevance and their design shall be without prejudice to the possible constitutional requirements of these Member States. The 2-euro coin constitutes the most suitable denomination for this purpose, principally on account of the large diameter of the coin and its technical characteristics, which offer adequate protection against counterfeiting.

The basis for the euro coins is derived from a European recommendation from 2003, which allowed changing the national obverse sides of euro coins from 1 January 2004 onwards.[2]

Regarding them, a series of restrictions apply:[3][4][1]

  • Commemorative coins have a different national face than usual and keep the common face.
  • They are intended to commemorate some relevant event or personality at a national or European level.
  • Each State can only issue one commemorative coin per year and always in the format of 2 euros. Since 2013, two commemorative coins per year are allowed.
  • The joint commemorative issues carried out by all the States of the eurozone (that is to say, excluding the euro-issuing States that do not belong to the EU), are additional to the emissions carried out by each State individually.
  • In the event that the State Headquarters is vacant or provisionally occupied, that State may issue an additional commemorative coin.
  • The legend engraved on the edge of the commemorative euro coins intended for circulation must be the same as that on the normal euro coins intended for circulation.
  • They have limited the maximum volume of emission.

The total number of such coins put into circulation per year should not surpass the higher of the following two numbers:[5]

  • 0.1% of the total number of €2 coins put into circulation by all members of the eurozone. This limit can exceptionally be increased to up to 2.0 per cent if the coin commemorates a very important and noteworthy event; in this case, the member state issuing this higher number of coins should refrain from putting any commemorative coins into circulation for the following four years.
  • 5.0% of the total number of €2 coins put into circulation by the member state issuing the €2 commemorative coin.

Since 2005, the recommendations for the design of the national sides of all the coins have been modified, which has also affected the designs of the €2 commemorative coins of the following years. See euro coins for more information.[where?]

The different States must inform each other of the new draft designs (both of the "regular" coins and the 2 euro commemorative coins) as well as the European Council and the European Commission, which must give your approval. One consequence of the above was the case of the 2 euro commemorative coin that Belgium planned to issue in 2015 on the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, which caused complaints from France and Belgium's resignation from issuing such a coin. However, Belgium issued a collector's coin of 2.50 euros, taking advantage of the fact that these coins are not submitted to the prior information of their draft designs.

Issues[edit]

20 members of the eurozone and four microstates have independently issued €2 commemorative coins, with Greece being the first country to do so.

There have also been five common €2 commemorative coins issued by all eurozone member states:

Three joint issues:

Ten coins series with a specific theme:

Country Issues 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
reg. ToR reg. EMU reg. 10Y€ reg. 30YF reg. ErPr
 Andorra 19 Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y
 Austria 8 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
 Belgium 32 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y Y/Y Y
 Croatia 1 Y
 Cyprus 7 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
 Estonia 16 Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y S
 Finland 36 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y/S
 France 31 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y/Y S
 Germany 31 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y
 Greece 27 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y Y Y/Y S/S
 Ireland 8 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
 Italy 35 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y/S
 Latvia 16 Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
 Lithuania 16 Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y
 Luxembourg 37 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y/Y
 Malta 27 Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y/Y
 Monaco 13 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y S
 Netherlands 9 Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y Y Y
 Portugal 31 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y Y Y/Y S/S
 San Marino 30 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y S/S
 Slovakia 18 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y S
 Slovenia 19 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y S
 Spain 26 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y Y/Y Y/Y
 Vatican City 29 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y/Y Y Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Y/Y Υ/Y
Total 522 6 8 7 7 13 10 9 16 12 16 13 17 23 27 28 19 32 32 36 32 34 31 30 19 36 9(13)
  Y – yes
  was either not yet part of the eurozone or authorized to mint euro coins (Andorra since 1 April 2012)
  no
  S – scheduled

Issued designs are made public in the Official Journal of the European Union.[6]

2004 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[2]  Greece Summer Olympics in Athens 2004 35 million coins 14 March 2004[7]
Description: The Discobolus (a classical Greek sculpture by Myron) is depicted in the centre of the coin. To the left of it is the logo of the Olympic games (ATHENS 2004) and the five Olympic Rings, while to the right the denomination of the coin is given in Greek (2 ΕΥΡΩ). The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design. The year mark is split around the star in the bottom centre (20*04), and the mint mark is to the upper left of the statue's head.[8]
[3]  Finland Fifth Enlargement of the European Union in 2004 1 million coins FDI:[9] 1 June 2004
FDC:[10] 1 July 2004[11]
Description: The coin's design resembles a stylised pillar from which ten sprouts grow upwards. This is a metaphorical theme: The ten sprouts represent the growth of the European Union (i.e., the 2004 enlargement which added ten new member states), while the pillar represents the foundation for the growth. Near the bottom of the coin, below the pillar, the word EU is written, and together with the right side of the pillar, representing the Greek small letter "ρ" (rho), it reads "euro". The twelve stars of the European Union adorn the outer ring together with the year mark, which is at the top of the ring.[12]
[4]  Luxembourg Effigy and Monogram of Grand Duke Henri 2,481,800 coins 23 June 2004[13]
Description: On the left side of the centre part of the coin, the effigy of Grand Duke Henri is depicted, looking to the right. The right side displays his monogram (the letter ‘H’ topped with a crown). The twelve stars of the European Union are also on the right side of the inner part, surrounding the monogram in a semicircular form. The year mark, the mint mark and the engraver's initials are written in circular shape at the top of the outer ring, together with the word LËTZEBUERG ("Luxembourg" in Luxembourgish), while the words HENRI – Grand-Duc de Luxembourg appear at the bottom of the ring.[14]
[5]  Italy Fifth Decade of the World Food Programme 16 million coins 15 December 2004[15]
Description: In the centre of the coin is a globe, tilted to the right. Three ears emerge from behind the globe, reaching out to cross the outer ring; these are maize, rice and wheat, representing the world's basic sources of nourishment. The letters R and I, superimposed over one another, are to the right of the globe (representing Repubblica Italiana), and below them are the engraver's (Uliana Pernazza) initials (a combination of the letters U and P). The mint mark (R) is to the upper left of the globe, the year mark is below it, and the twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring, grouped into three batches of four stars each, separated by the three ears.[16]
[6]  San Marino Bartolomeo Borghesi 110,000 coins 15 December 2004[17]
Description: The central piece of this coin is a bust of the famous historian and numismatist Bartolomeo Borghesi. It is surrounded by numerous inscriptions in the centre of the coin: SAN MARINO to the right of the bust, BARTOLOMEO BORGHESI, the mint mark (R) and the engraver's initials (E.L.F.) to the left of it. On the outer ring, the coin displays the twelve stars of the European Union and the year mark (bottom centre).[18]
[7]  Vatican City 75th anniversary of the Foundation of the Vatican City State 100,000 coins 15 December 2004[19]
Description: The central part of the coin depicts a schematic representation of the perimeter walls of the Vatican City with St. Peter's Basilica in the foreground, together with the inscriptions 75o ANNO DELLO STATO (to the left), 1929–2004 and the mint mark (R) (both to the right). In addition to these, the name of the designer (VEROI) and the initials of the engraver (L.D.S. INC.) are written in the lower right in smaller print. The outer ring is adorned by the twelve stars of the European Union and the inscription CITTÀ DEL VATICANO.[20]

2005 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[8]  Luxembourg 50th birthday of Grand Duke Henri, 5th anniversary of his accession to the throne and 100th anniversary of the death of Grand Duke Adolphe 2,769,000 coins 15 January 2005[21]
Description: In the centre of the coin, the effigies of the Grand Dukes Henri and Adolphe are displayed, both looking to the right, with Henri's superimposed on Adolphe's. The inscription GRANDS-DUCS DE LUXEMBOURG appears above the effigies, while the inscriptions HENRI *1955 and ADOLPHE †1905 are written below the respective effigies. The outer ring of the coin contains the twelve stars of the European Union, placed between the letters of the word LËTZEBUERG and the year mark, which is centred below the effigies positioned between S (for Suomi) on the left and the mint mark on the right.[22]
[9]  Belgium Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union 6 million coins FDI:[9] 1 March 2005
FDC:[10] 1 April 2005[23]
Description: In the centre of the coin, the effigies of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and King Albert II of the Belgians are depicted, looking left. The engraver's initials (LL) are in the lower right, while the year mark is below the effigies. On the outer circle, the twelve stars of the European Union are displayed, along with the mint mark on the bottom, the monogram of Grand-Duke Henri to the left and the monogram of King Albert II to the right.[24]
[10]  Spain 4th Centenary of the first edition of Miguel de Cervantes' El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha 8 million coins 1 April 2005[25]
Description: The centre of the coin displays Don Quixote holding a lance, with the windmills from one of his most well-known escapades in the background. The inscription ESPAÑA is impressed into the surface of the coin to the left of the image, with the mint mark (an M topped by a crown) below. The twelve stars of the European Union are placed on the outer ring, with the four on the right side impressed into the surface of the coin, as well, and the year mark placed between three of the stars (*20*05*) at the bottom.[26]
[11]  Austria 50th anniversary of the Austrian State Treaty 7 million coins 11 May 2005[27]
Description: In the centre of the coin is a depiction of the seals and signatures of the Austrian State Treaty, signed by the foreign ministers of the Allied occupying forces (Vyacheslav Molotov for the Soviet Union, John Foster Dulles for the United States, Harold Macmillan for the United Kingdom and Antoine Pinay for France), the High Commissioners of the four sectors, as well as the Foreign Minister of Austria (Leopold Figl) on 15 May 1955. The inscription 50 JAHRE STAATSVERTRAG is above the seals, while the year mark is below it; in the background, vertical stripes serve as a heraldic depiction of Austria's national flag (red-white-red). The outer ring contains the twelve stars of the European Union.[28]
[12]  San Marino World Year of Physics 2005 130,000 coins 14 October 2005[29]
Description: The centre of the coin contains a free interpretation of the allegorical painting of Galileo Galilei known as La fisica antica or The Study of the Planets. The year mark is inscribed below a globe standing on a desk. The mint mark (R) is to the left of the image, while the engraver's initials (LDS) appear on the right. The inscription SAN MARINO is aligned in a semicircle above the image, while the inscription ANNO MONDIALE DELLA FISICA forms another semicircle below it. The outer ring bears the twelve stars of the European Union which are separated by the outer edges of a stylised atom depicted in the background of the entire coin.[30]
[13]  Finland 60th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations and 50th anniversary of Finland's UN membership 2 million coins 25 October 2005[31]
Description: The centre of the coin contains part of a jigsaw puzzle showing a dove of peace. On the bottom of the centre part, the inscription FINLAND – UN and the year mark is displayed; the artist's initial (K) appears above the last digit of the year mark, while the mint mark (M) is between the inscription and the dove. The twelve stars of the European Union adorn the outer ring.[32]
[14]  Italy 1st anniversary of the signing of the European Constitution 18 million coins 29 October 2005[33]
Description: The centre of the coin features Europa and the bull (Zeus), together with the European Constitution; Europa is holding a pen over it, symbolising its signing. The mint mark (R) is to the upper left of the image, the engraver's (Maria Carmela Colaneri) initials (MCC) to the lower left, and the year mark is to the upper right. The monogram of the Italian Republic (RI) is at the bottom of the centre part, slightly to the left. The outer ring features the inscription COSTITUZIONE EUROPEA, forming almost a full semicircle, while the remainder of the outer ring is taken up by the twelve stars of the European Union.[34]
[15]  Vatican City 20th World Youth Day, held in Cologne in August 2005 100,000 coins 6 December 2005[35]
Description: The centre of the coin contains the Cologne Cathedral and a comet passing by above it. The inscription XX GIORNATA MONDIALE DELLA GIOVENTÙ is written in the upper part of the centre, separated by the tail of the comet and two of the cathedral's spires, one of which extends into the outer ring. The outer ring contains the inscription CITTÀ DEL VATICANO in the lower half and the twelve stars of the European Union in the upper half, with the year mark and the mint mark (R) separating them in the top centre.[36]

2006 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[16]  Italy Winter Olympics in Turin 2006 40 million coins FDI:[9] 10 January 2006
FDC:[10] 10 February 2006[37]
Description: The coin depicts a racing skier and the visitor attraction of Turin, the Mole Antonelliana (which incidentally is also depicted on the Italian 2-cent coin), together with a large number of inscriptions: above the skier's head, GIOCHI INVERNALI ("Winter Games"); below the tower, the name of the host city TORINO; beside the skier's right thigh, the engraver's initials (MCC); also to the right of the skier, the year mark (written vertically); and finally, to the right of the tower, the monogram of the Italian Republic (RI) and the mint mark (R). The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[38]
[17]  Luxembourg 25th birthday of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume 1,047,500 coins 11 January 2006[39]
Description: The coin depicts the effigy of Grand Duke Henri on the right side of the inner part, superimposed on the effigy of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume on the left side; both are looking to the right. The year mark appears below the effigies, flanked by the letter S and the mint mark. The inscription LËTZEBUERG appears above the effigies along the upper edge of the inner part of the coin. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[40]
[18]  Germany Holstentor in Lübeck (Schleswig-Holstein)
First of the Bundesländer I series
30 million coins 3 February 2006[41]
Description: The coin shows the Holstentor in Lübeck in the centre part, with the inscription SCHLESWIG–HOLSTEIN below the gate at the bottom of the centre part. The mint mark is to the left, while the designer's initials (HH) are to the right. The inscription BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND is written in a semicircle in the lower part of the outer ring, and the year mark at the top; the twelve stars of the European Union are positioned between the year mark and the inscription at the bottom, in two groups of six stars each.[42]
[19]  Belgium Renovation of the Atomium in Brussels 5 million coins 10 April 2006[43]
Description: The coin shows the Atomium in the centre part, with the mint marks to the lower right and left of it. The designer's initials (LL) are to the left. The letter B for Belgium is written at the top of the outer ring, and the year mark at the bottom; the twelve stars of the European Union are positioned between the year mark and the inscription at the top, in two groups of six stars each.[44][45]
[20]  Finland 1st Centenary of the Introduction of Universal and Equal Suffrage 2.5 million coins 4 October 2006[46]
Description: The coin shows two stylised faces in the centre part, one male and the other female; they are separated by a thin curved line. Two capital "M"s appear to the left of each face, one of them the mint mark and the other one the artist's initial. On the left side, the date of the introduction of universal and equal suffrage in Finland (1 October 1906) is inscribed, while the right side of the coin contains the year mark and the country abbreviation (20 FI 06). The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[47]
[21]  San Marino 500th anniversary of the death of Christopher Columbus 120,000 coins 17 October 2006[48]
Description: A portrait of Christopher Columbus (looking to the right) before a background of the three caravels (the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa María), which he used in his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492, forms the central part of the coin's design. At the top of the inner part is the inscription SAN MARINO together with a compass rose, in the centre is the mint mark R, and at the bottom is a cartouche containing the inscription 1506–2006 and the initials of the designer (LDS). The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[49]
[22]  Vatican City 500th anniversary of the Swiss Guard 100,000 coins 9 November 2006[50]
Description: The centre part of the coin features a member of the Swiss Guard taking his oath on the flag of the Swiss Guard, facing the right side. In the top part of the inner circle, the inscription GUARDIA SVIZZERA PONTIFICIA surrounds the guard, while the bottom part carries the inscription CITTÁ DEL VATICANO. The guard is surrounded by four other inscriptions, with the year 1506 and the signature of the designer O. ROSSI to his left and the year mark 2006 and the mint mark R to his right. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[51]

2007 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[23]  Germany Schwerin Castle (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)
Second of the Bundesländer I series
30 million coins 2 February 2007[52]
Description: The centre part of the coin shows a representation of Schwerin Castle. The inscription MECKLENBURG–VORPOMMERN and the engraver's initials HH appear underneath while the mint mark appears above. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin, with the year mark inscribed at the top of the outer ring.[53]
[24]  Luxembourg Grand Ducal Palace 1,031,000 coins 2 February 2007[54]
Description: The inner part of the coin design is divided into two-halves: The right side shows Grand Duke Henri (looking to the left), while the Grand Ducal Palace is shown on the left side. Between the Grand Ducal Palace and the outer ring of the coin, the year mark is inscribed vertically, with the engraver's initials above and the mint mark below. The inscription LËTZEBUERG appears superimposed on the two elements of the main design of the coin. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[55]
[25]  Vatican City 80th birthday of Pope Benedict XVI 100,000 coins FDI:[9] 16 April 2007
FDC:[10] 1 October 2007[56]
Description: The inner part of the coin features a bust of Pope Benedict XVI in profile facing to the left. The legend BENEDICTI XVI P.M. AETATIS ANNO LXXX CITTÀ DEL VATICANO is engraved surrounding the portrait. On the right hand side, the mintmark R, the year mark and the initials of the engraver M.C.C. INC. are written, while the left hand side shows the name of the author LONGO. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[57]
[26]  Portugal Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2 million coins FDI:[9] 1 June 2007
FDC:[10] 1 July 2007[58]
Description: The inner part of the coin shows a cork oak (Quercus suber) taking up most of the coin's design; under the branches, on the left hand side, is the coat of arms of Portugal and on the right hand side the word POR TU GAL written over three lines. The inscription 2007 PRESIDÊNCIA DO CONSELHO DA UE is written in a semicircle along the bottom of the inner part, with the artist's signature on the right and the mint mark near the coat of arms. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[59]
[27]  Monaco 25th anniversary of the death of Grace Kelly 20,001 coins 1 July 2007[60]
Description: On the inner part of the coin there is an effigy of Grace Kelly in profile, facing to the left. MONACO, the mint mark, the year mark and the engraver's mark are engraved in an arc at the bottom right of the inner part. The name of the artist R. B. BARON is engraved under the Princess' hair. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[61]
[28]  San Marino 200th birthday of Giuseppe Garibaldi 130,000 coins 9 October 2007[62]
Description: The inner circle of the coin features a portrait of Giuseppe Garibaldi. The inscription SAN MARINO and the year mark are engraved along the circle on the left and right sides respectively. The mint mark R and the initials of the author Ettore Lorenzo Frapiccini, E.L.F., appear on the right side of the inner circle. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[63]
[29]  Finland 90th anniversary of Finland's independence 2 million coins 1 December 2007[64]
Description: The centre part of the coin shows nine people rowing a boat with long oars. The year mark 2007 and the year 1917 (when Finland became independent) appear on the top and the bottom of the design respectively. The mint mark appears on the left side, and the inscription FI on the right side. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[65]

2007 commonly issued coin[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[30]  European Union 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome. 87,652,666 coins 25 March – 2 April 2007
Description: The centre part of the coin shows the treaty signed by the original six member states of the European Coal and Steel Community, on a background symbolising Michelangelo's paving on the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome where the treaty was signed. The translation of EUROPE is inscribed above the book, but within the central design, whereas the translation of TREATY OF ROME 50 YEARS appears above the design. The year mark and the name of the issuing country are inscribed below the design, and the twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin. (The location of the mint mark (and the engraver's initials, if they are shown) differs between the thirteen different versions).
 Austria 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 9,000,000 coins 25 March 2007
Inscription: VERTRAG VON ROM 50 JAHRE, 2007, REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH
 Finland 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 1,400,000 coins 25 March 2007
Inscription: ROOMAN SOPIMUS 50 V, EUROOPPA, 2007, SUOMI FINLAND
 Germany 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 30,865,630 coins 25 March 2007
Inscription: RÖMISCHE VERTRÄGE 50 JAHRE, EUROPA, 2007, BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND
 Italy 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 5,000,000 coins 25 March 2007
Inscription: TRATTATI DI ROMA 50° ANNIVERSARIO, EUROPA, 2007, REPUBBLICA ITALIANA
 Slovenia 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 400,000 coins 25 March 2007
Inscription: RIMSKA POGODBA 50 LET, EVROPA, 2007, SLOVENIJA
 Spain 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 8,000,000 coins 25 March 2007
Inscription: TRATADO DE ROMA 50 AÑOS, EUROPA, 2007, ESPAÑA
 Belgium 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 5,040,000 coins 26 March 2007
Inscription: PACTVM ROMANVM QVINQVAGENARIVM, , 2007, BELGIQUEBELGIEBELGIEN
 Greece 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 3,978,549 coins 26 March 2007
Inscription: ΣΥΝΘΗΚΗ ΤΗΣ ΡΩΜΗΣ 50 XPONIA, EYPΩΠΗ, 2007, ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ
 Ireland 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 4,640,112 coins 26 March 2007
Inscription: CONRADH NA RÓIMHE 50 BLIAIN, AN EORAIP, 2007, ÉIRE
 Luxembourg 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 2,046,000 coins 26 March 2007
Inscription: TRAITÉ DE ROME 50 ANS, EUROPE, 2007, LËTZEBUERG
 Netherlands 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 6,355,500 coins 26 March 2022
Inscription: VERDRAG VAN ROME 50 JAAR, EUROPA, 2007, KONINKRIJK DER NEDERLANDEN
 Portugal 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 1,520,000 coins 26 March 2007
Inscription: TRATADO DE ROMA 50 ANOS, EUROPA, 2007, PORTUGAL
 France 50th anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome 9,406,857 coins 2 April 2007
Inscription: TRAITÉ DE ROME 50 ANS, EUROPE, 2007, RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
Due to special laws requiring that every coin bear the incumbent Grand Duke's portrait, the Luxembourgish edition of the common €2 commemorative coin differs slightly from the others in addition to the translated inscriptions, since a latent image of the Grand Duke's portrait was added (as required by national law) using a technique called multi-view minting.[66]

A similar Dutch law, which requires the portrait of the current head of state of the Netherlands and the words NAME (Koning/Koningin) der Nederlanden to appear on all coins issued by the Netherlands (for example, currently Willem-Alexander Koning der Nederlanden) was amended so that the Netherlands could take part in this program; the amendment completely removed the requirement for €2 commemorative coins.

Furthermore, due to Belgium's special multilingual society, the Belgian coin features the inscription PACTVM ROMANVM QVINQVAGENARIVM in Latin.

The three micro-states which also used the euro due to an official agreement with the European Union (Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican City) did not issue this coin, as they are not member states of the European Union. However, some member states of the European Union which had not yet introduced the euro also took part in this program. For example, Cyprus issued a £1 coin and Hungary a 50 Ft coin with the same design.

2008 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[31]  Germany St. Michaelis Church (Hamburg)
Third of the Bundesländer I series
30 million coins 1 February 2008[67]
Description: The inner part of the coin shows St. Michaelis Church in Hamburg. The name of the federal State HAMBURG is inscribed beneath the image of the church. To the right of the church are the engraver's stylised initials OE and above it towards the centre the mint mark. The outer ring has the year mark inscribed at the top, six stars on each side and below them the words BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND.[68]
[32]  Luxembourg Berg Castle 1,042,000 coins 2 February 2008[69]
Description: The inner part of the coin shows, in the foreground on the left side the effigy of Grand Duke Henri looking to the right and in the background on the right side the picture of Berg Castle. The year mark is flanked by the mint mark and the mint master mark of the engraving workshop at the top of the coin. The name of the issuing country LËTZEBUERG appears at the bottom of the design. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[70]
[33]  Italy 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 5 million coins April 2008[71]
Description: The inner part of the coin shows a man and a woman with an olive branch, an ear of corn, a cogwheel and some barbed wire, symbols respectively representing the right to peace, food, work and freedom, along with the links of a broken chain which form the figure 60°. In the centre of the coin are the initials of the issuing country RI; to the left the year mark; to the right the initials MCC of the artist, Maria Carmela Colaneri, and the mint mark; at the bottom, a cartouche with the inscription DIRITTI UMANI. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[72]
[34]  San Marino European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 130,000 coins April 2008[73]
Description: The inner part of the coin represents the different cultures of the five regions within the European continent, symbolized by five human silhouettes and the sacred texts of the different communities. Arched inscriptions complete the design: at the top, SAN MARINO, and below that the year mark; at the bottom, ANNO EUROPEO DEL DIALOGO INTERCULTURALE and the initials E.L.F. of the artist, Ettore Lorenzo Frapiccini; and to the left, the mint mark. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[74]
[35]  Belgium 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 5 million coins April/May 2008[75]
Description: The inner part of the coin shows curved lines around a rectangle marked with the figure 60. The year mark is inscribed above the rectangle and the words UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS appear below it. The name of the country in its three official languages (BELGIE – BELGIQUE – BELGIEN) is inscribed in a semicircle below the design. The mint marks appear to the left and right of the design respectively. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[76]
[36]  Slovenia 500th birthday of Primož Trubar 1 million coins May 2008[77]
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts an effigy of Primož Trubar in right profile. On the left the inscriptions PRIMOŽ TRUBAR and 1508–1586 appear in two semicircles, and towards the bottom right SLOVENIJA 2008 is inscribed (also in a semicircle). The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[78]
[37]  France French Presidency of the Council of the European Union 20 million coins July 2008[79]
Description: The inner part of the coin shows the inscription 2008 PRÉSIDENCE FRANÇAISE UNION EUROPÉENNE RF; the mint mark and the mintmaster's mark are located below, to the left and the right respectively. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[80]
[38]  Portugal 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1,025,000 coins 15 September 2008[81]
Description: The inner part of the coin features the Portuguese coat of arms at the top, above the name of the issuing country PORTUGAL, the year mark and a geometric design in the bottom half of the centre. The legend 60 ANOS DA DECLARAÇÃO UNIVERSAL DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS adorns edge of the bottom two-thirds of the inner ring and is followed by the inscription Esc. J. Duarte INCM in very small characters. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[82]
[39]  Vatican City 2008 – Year of Saint Paul the Apostle 100,000 coins 5 September 2008[83]
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts the conversion of Saint Paul on the road to Damascus (with the city visible in the background); the saint, dazzled by a light from the sky, falls from his rearing horse. Two inscriptions are engraved around the portrait: on the left side, an inscription denoting the issuing country CITTÀ DEL VATICANO; on the right side, the legend ANNO SANCTO PAULO DICATO. The year mark is inscribed to the right of the portrait, as well as the mintmark R and the artist's name VEROI. Beneath the portrait are the initials of the engraver Luciana De Simoni, L.D.S. INC.. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[84]
[40]  Finland 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1.5 million coins October 2008[85]
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts a human figure seen through a heart-shaped hole in a stone wall. The text HUMAN RIGHTS is inscribed under the heart, and the year mark is engraved above it. The indication of the issuing country FI, the letter K (initial of the artist Tapio Kettunen) and the mint mark appear at the bottom of the design. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[86]

2009 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[41]  Luxembourg 90th anniversary of Grand Duchess Charlotte's Accession to the Throne 838,000 coins 1 January 2009[87]
Description: The coin shows the effigy of Grand Duke Henri on the left hand side of its inner part, superimposed on the effigy of the Grand Duchess Charlotte, both looking to the left. The vertically aligned text LËTZEBUERG and the year mark, flanked by the mint master's mark and the mint mark, appear on the right hand side of the inner part of the coin. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[88]
[42]  Germany Ludwigskirche in Saarbrücken (Saarland)
Fourth of the Bundesländer I series
30 million coins 2 February 2009[89]
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts the Ludwigskirche in Saarbrücken. The name of the state SAARLAND and the mint mark appear under the monument; the engraver's initials FB (Friedrich Brenner) are displayed on the right of the monument. The lower part of the outer ring of the coin features the inscription BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND, and the upper part bears the year mark. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[90]
[43]  San Marino European Year of Creativity and Innovation 130,000 coins May 2009[91]
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts objects representing scientific research: a book, a compass, a test tube and a flask. On the left are the three emblematic feathers of the Republic of San Marino. On the right the mint mark and year mark are shown. On the top is the legend CREATIVITÀ INNOVAZIONE. At the bottom are the inscription SAN MARINO and the initials of the artist A.M.. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[92]
[44]  Portugal 2009 Lusophony Games 1.25 million coins 9 June 2009[93]
Description: The inner part of the coin shows a gymnast swirling a long ribbon. At the top, the Portuguese coat of arms appears within a semicircle formed by the inscription PORTUGAL. In a semicircle at the bottom the legend 2.os JOGOS DA LUSOFONIA LISBOA is inscribed between the initials INCM on the left and the artist's name J. AURÉLIO on the right. The year mark appears above the gymnast's head, to the left. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin (on a background of concentric circular lines).[94]
[45]  Belgium 200th birthday of Louis Braille 5 million coins 25 September 2009[95]
Description: The inner part of the coin features a portrait of Louis Braille between his initials (L and B) in the Braille alphabet that he designed. Above the portrait is the inscription LOUIS BRAILLE, and underneath is the inscription BE between the dates 1809 and 2009. To the left and right respectively are the mint mark and the mint master mark. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[96]
[46]  Italy 200th birthday of Louis Braille 2 million coins 15 October 2009[97]
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts a hand reading an open book by touch. Above the index finger, which is pointing at the vertical inscription LOUIS BRAILLE 1809–2009, are two birds symbolising freedom of knowledge. The issuing country reference RI is at the top right, while the mint mark R is at the bottom right. Braille's name is written under the book in the Braille alphabet that he invented. At the very bottom are the initials MCC of the artist Maria Carmela Colanéri. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[98]
[47]  Slovakia 20th anniversary of the Start of the Velvet Revolution 1 million coins November 2009[99]
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts a stylised bell made up of a series of keys. This recalls the demonstration on 17 November 1989, when marching citizens shook their keyrings to make a jangling sound. This marked the beginning of the Velvet Revolution. To the bottom right of the design are the artist's mark and the mint mark of the Slovak Mint (Mincovňa Kremnica). The design is surrounded above by the legend 17. NOVEMBER SLOBODA – DEMOKRACIA and the dates 1989–2009 and below by the name of the issuing country SLOVENSKO. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[100]
[48]  Vatican City International Year of Astronomy 106,084 October 2009[101]
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts an allegory of the birth of the stars and planets together with several astronomical instruments. The mint mark R is situated in the bottom left quadrant and the year mark 2009 is at the bottom. The design is surrounded on the bottom left-hand side by the legend ANNO INTERNAZIONALE DELL'ASTRONOMIA and on the top right-hand side by the name of the issuing country CITTÀ DEL VATICANO. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[102]
[49]  Finland 200th anniversary of Finnish Autonomy 1.6 million coins October 2009
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts the profile of the Porvoo Cathedral, which was the site of opening of the first Diet of Finland. The date 1809 appears on the top, and the year mark is on the right side. The indication of the issuing country FI and the mint mark are on the left side. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[103]

2009 commonly issued coin[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[50]  European Union Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro[104] 78,675,215 coins 1 January – 26 March 2009
Description:[105] The centre of the coin shows a stylised human figure whose left arm is prolonged by the euro symbol. The initials ΓΣ of the sculptor George Stamatopoulos appear below the euro symbol. The name(s) of the issuing country in the national language(s) appear(s) at the top, while the indication 1999-2009 and the acronym EMU translated into the national language(s) appear at the bottom. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin. The final design of the coin was chosen by electronic voting from 31 January 2008 to 22 February 2008, with the result announced on 25 February 2008. The designs were pre-selected by the national mint directors of the eurozone.[106] The winner was George Stamatopoulos, a sculptor from the Bank of Greece Mint.[107]
 Ireland Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 5 million coins 1 January 2009
Inscription: ÉIRE, AEA (Aontas Eacnamaíochta Airgeadaíochta) 1999-2009 EMU
 Austria Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 5 million coins 2 January 2009
Inscription: REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH, WWU (Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion) 1999-2009
 Germany Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 30,565,630 coins 2 January 2009
Inscription: BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND, WWU (Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion) 1999-2009
 Greece Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 4 million coins 2 January 2009
Inscription: ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ, ONE (Οικονομική και Νομισματική Ένωση) 1999-2009
 Cyprus Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 1 million coins 5 January 2009
Inscription: KYΠPOΣ KIBRIS, ONE (Οικονομική και Νομισματική Ένωση) 1999-2009
 Malta Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 700,000 coins 5 January 2009
Inscription: MALTA, UEM (Unjoni Ekonomika u Monetarja) 1999-2009
 Portugal Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 1,285,000 coins 5 January 2009
Inscription: PORTUGAL, UEM (União Económica e Monetária) 1999-2009
 Slovenia Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 1 million coins 5 January 2009
Inscription: SLOVENIJA, EMU (Ekonomska in monetarna unija) 1999-2009
 Netherlands Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 5,313,500 coins 7 January 2009
Inscription: NEDERLAND, EMU (economische en monetaire unie) 1999-2009
 Slovakia Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 2,500,000 coins 7 January 2009
Inscription: SLOVENSKO, HMÚ (Hospodárska a menová únia) 1999-2009
 Finland Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 1,400,000 coins 15 January 2009
Inscription: SUOMI FINLAND, 2009, EMU 1999-2009
Coin edge inscription: TALOUS – JA RAHALIITTO EMU[108]
 Luxembourg Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 825,000 coins 15 January 2009
Inscription: LËTZEBUERG, UEM (l'Union économique et monétaire) 1999-2009

Due to special laws requiring that every coin bear the incumbent Grand Duke's portrait, the Luxembourgish edition of the common €2 commemorative coin differs slightly from the others in addition to the translated inscriptions, since two latent image of the Grand Duke's portrait were added (as required by national law). The method used (multi-view-minting) was even more sophisticated than the one used in 2007, as portraits of the Grand Duke from the left and the right could be seen, depending on which way one tilted the coin.[109]

 France Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 10,074,085 coins 23 January 2009
Inscription: RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE, UEM (l'Union économique et monétaire) 1999-2009
 Belgium Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 5,012,000 coins 27 January 2009
Inscription: BELGIEBELGIQUEBELGIEN, EMU 1999-2009
 Spain Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 8 million coins 2 February 2009
Inscription: ESPAÑA, UEM (Unión Económica y Monetaria) 1999-2009
 Italy Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro 2 million coins 26 March 2009
Inscription: REPUBBLICA ITALIANA, UEM (l'unione economica e monetaria) 1999-2009

2010 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[51]  Luxembourg Arms of the Grand Duke 529,500 coins 14 January 2010
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts, on the left, a portrait of Grand Duke Henri facing towards the right, and on the right, the Coat of Arms of the Grand Duke, above which the year mark is shown between mint marks, overlapping slightly into the outer ring. Below, the name of the issuing country LËTZEBUERG overlaps slightly into the outer ring. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[110]
[52]  Germany City Hall and Roland (Bremen)
Fifth of the Bundesländer I series
30 million coins 29 January 2010
Description: The inner part of the coin features the Bremen City Hall, with the Roland (a statue) in the foreground. The word BREMEN is inscribed below the town hall on the right. The mint mark appears at the top left. The initials of the artist Bodo Broschat are at the very bottom, just below the statue. The initial of the issuing country D and the year mark are inserted at the top and bottom of the outer ring of the coin respectively, where the twelve stars of the European Union surround the design.[111]
[53]  Spain Historic Centre of Córdoba
First of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series
4 million coins February 2010
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts the interior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. On the left is the mint mark, and below is the name of the issuing country followed by the year mark ESPAÑA 2010. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[112]
[54]  Slovenia 200th anniversary of the Botanical Garden of Ljubljana 1 million coins 10 May 2010
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts the Rebrinčevolistna Hladnikija plant. On the left under the plant, its scientific name HLADNIKIA PASTINACIFOLIA is written in an arc. Around the image in a circle is the legend SLOVENIJA 2010. 200 LET. BOTANIČNI VRT. LJUBLJANA. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[113]
[55]  Italy 200th birthday of Camillo Benso, conte di Cavour 4 million coins March 2010
Description: The inner part of the coin shows a detail of the portrait of the Italian statesman in the centre, the inscriptions CAVOUR and RI on the left, and the mint mark, the dates 1810 and 2010 and the initials of the artist Claudia Momoni (C.M.) on the right. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[114]
[56]  Belgium Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 5 million coins June 2010
Description: The inner part of the coin shows the stylised letters EU and trio.be. Above the letters is the inscription BELGIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EU 2010 and below it the trilingual inscription BELGIE BELGIQUE BELGIEN. Underneath the logo, the mint mark is displayed to the left of the year mark, and the mint master's mark to the right. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[115]
[57]  France Appeal of 18 June 20 million coins June 2010
Description: The inner part of the coin shows General Charles de Gaulle, in uniform and bareheaded, at a microphone typical of the time, reading the Appeal, in which the name of the country RF is inserted. At the top is the year mark and below it the inscriptions 70 ANS and APPEL 18 JUIN. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[116]
[58]  Portugal Centenary of the Portuguese Republic 2.035 million coins September 2010
Description: The inner part of the coin shows in the centre the Portuguese coat of arms and the República effigy, two of the most representative symbols of the Portuguese Republic, surrounded by the legend República Portuguesa – 1910–2010, the mint mark and the name of the designer JOSE CÂNDIDO. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[117]
[59]  San Marino 500th anniversary of the death of Sandro Botticelli 130,000 coins 7 September 2010
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts "Pleasure", a detail of one of the three dancing Graces, freely inspired by the painting Primavera by Sandro Botticelli. On the top is the year mark, on the left the name of the issuing country SAN MARINO and the mint mark and on the right the initial m of the designer Roberto Mauri. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[118]
[60]  Vatican City Year for Priests 115,000 coins 12 October 2010
Description: The inner part of the coin features a shepherd drawing a lamb from a lion's maw. Two inscriptions are engraved around the design: the name of the issuing country CITTA' DEL VATICANO on the top and the topic of commemoration ANNO SACERDOTALE below it. The year mark is displayed to the left of the design, the mint mark at the bottom and the artist's name VEROI to the right. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[119]
[61]  Finland Currency Decree of 1860 granting Finland the right to issue banknotes and coins 1.6 million coins October 2010
Description: The design consists on the left side of a stylised lion figure from the coat of arms of Finland and the year mark, and on the right side of the mint mark and a set of numbers symbolising coin values. At the bottom the issuing country is indicated by the inscription FI. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[120]
[62]  Greece 25th Centenary of the Battle of Marathon 2.5 million coins October 2010
Description: The inner part of the coin shows a synthesis of a shield and a runner/warrior symbolizing the battle for freedom and the noble ideals derived from the battle of Marathon. The bird on the shield symbolises the birth of western civilization in its present form. Surrounding the centre is the Greek inscription ΜΑΡΑΘΩΝΑΣ/2500 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ/490 Π.Χ./2010 Μ.Χ. (Marathon/2,500 years/490 BC/2010 AD) and the name of the issuing country (ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ). The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[121]

2011 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[63]  Slovakia 20th anniversary of Foundation of the Visegrád Group 1 million coins[122] 10 January 2011
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts a map of the four countries that comprise the Visegrád Group (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia). The map is supplemented by a stylized abbreviation V IV; the name of the issuing country SLOVENSKO is situated in the lower right part, and the year mark in the lower left part. The design is surrounded by the legend VYŠEHRADSKÁ SKUPINA • VISEGRAD GROUP and the date of the foundation of the Viségrad Group 15 February 1991. The initials of the coin's designer Miroslav Rónai and the mint mark appear under the name of the country. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[123]
[64]  Netherlands 500th anniversary of the Publication of The Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus 4 million coins 24 January 2011
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts Erasmus writing his book and the effigy of Beatrix of the Netherlands. Between these two images, the inscription Beatrix Koningin der Nederlanden (vertically written), the year mark, the mint master mark and the mintmark appear. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[124]
[65]  Germany Cologne Cathedral (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Sixth of the Bundesländer I series
30 million coins 28 January 2011
Description: The design shows the Cologne cathedral in its entirety, as a masterpiece of the Gothic architecture, emphasizing the beauty of the south portal. The name NORDRHEIN-WESTFALEN, just below the building, links the pictured building with the state. The mint mark is located in the right upper part of the centre, with the artist Heinz Hoyer's initials in the right part of the centre. The year mark and the letter D (for Deutschland) are placed between the stars in the outer part of the coin, at the bottom and top, respectively. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin[125]
[66]  Luxembourg 50th anniversary of the Appointment of Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg by his mother Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg as lieutenant-représentent 729,500 coins 3 February 2011
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg on the right-hand side looking to the left, and superimposed on the effigies of Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg and Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. The text LËTZEBUERG is written above the three effigies. The year mark 2011, surrounded by the mint mark and the mintmaster mark, appears at the top. The name of the person depicted is written below the respective effigy. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[126]
[67]  Spain Patio de los Leones of the Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
Second of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series
4 million coins March 2011
Description: The design shows an image of the Patio de los Leones in the Alhambra in Granada. At the bottom of the coin is the inscription ESPAÑA and the year mark, with the mint mark at the top. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[127]
[68]  Slovenia 100th birthday of Franc Rozman – Stane 1 million coins March 2011
Description: The design shows on the left side the image of Franc Rozman – Stane with a five-pointed star below him. The inscription SLOVENIJA separates the upper and lower parts of the right-hand side of the coin; the year mark is written vertically below the inscription, and the inscriptions FRANC, ROZMAN, STANE (vertically) and 1911, 1944 (horizontally) appear above the inscription. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[128]
[69]  Belgium 1st Centenary of the International Women's Day 5 million coins March 2011
Description: The coin displays the effigies of Isala Van Diest, the first female Belgian doctor, and Marie Popelin, the first female Belgian lawyer. Their names (I. VAN DIEST and M. POPELIN) are written under the effigies, separated by the year mark, and above the inscriptions are the symbols of their respective professions (the Rod of Asclepius and the Scales of Justice). Above the effigies are the inscription BE, the mint master mark and the mint mark. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[129]
[70]  Italy 150th anniversary of Italian unification 10 million coins March 2011
Description: The inner part of the coin shows three Italian flags in the wind, representing the three anniversaries (1911, 1961 and 2011) and illustrating a link between generations; this is the logo of the 150th anniversary of Italian unification. There are a number of inscriptions: at the top, the inscription 150º DELL'UNITÀ D'ITALIA; at the right, the initials RI; at the bottom, the dates 1861 › 2011 › ›; under the dates, at the centre, the mint mark, and at the right, the initials of the artist Ettore Lorenzo Frapiccini and his profession (incisore), ELF INC.. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[130]
[71]  France 30th anniversary of Fête de la Musique 10,014,404 coins 21 June 2011
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts a cheerful crowd (with the stylized image of a musical instrument and notes floating in the air) symbolizing the atmosphere of celebration on the Day of Music, which has been celebrated in France every summer solstice since 1981. The words Fête de la MUSIQUE and the date 21 JUIN 2011 appear in the centre of the drawing. At the top, slanting rightwards, are the words 30e ANNIVERSAIRE and the letters RF appear at the bottom. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[131]
[72]  Greece 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games 1 million coins June 2011
Description: The centre of the coin shows the symbol of the Games, a radiant sun, the "source of life that underlines the excellence and power of the athlete that takes part in the Games". "Excellence" is depicted in the olive branch, and "power" in the spiral form in the centre of the sun. Two inscriptions surround the centre on the right half, XIII SPECIAL OLYMPICS W.S.G. ATHENS 2011 and ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ, with the mint mark in between. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[132]
[73]  San Marino 500th birthday of Giorgio Vasari 130,000 coins June 2011
Description: The inner part of the coin shows a detail from the painting Judith and Holofernes by Giorgio Vasari. At the bottom are the dates 1511–2011, with the inscription G. Vasari and the mint mark on the left and the inscriptions San Marino and C.M. (the mint maker Claudia Momoni's initials) on the right. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[133]
[74]  Monaco Wedding of Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock 147,877 coins 2 July 2011
Description: The inner part of the coin shows the effigies of Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock in the centre; the inscription MONACO and the yearmark are at the bottom, with the mint mark and the mint engraver's mark flanking the inscription. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[134]
[75]  Portugal 500th birthday of Fernão Mendes Pinto 520,000 coins 15 September 2011
Description: The inner part of the coin shows a sailing ship on several wave-shaped inscriptions referring to Portugal, Lisbon, his book Peregrinação and some of his travel destinations. The inscription Portugal appears underneath, and his name above. The years 1511 and 2011 appear are to the left and right of the central image, respectively. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[135]
[76]  Finland 200th anniversary of the Bank of Finland 1.5 million coins October 2011
Description: The centre of the coin shows a whooper swan (the Finnish national bird). The swan's wing separates the years 1811 (at the bottom right) and 2011 (at the centre left). The letter V in the left armpit of the swan stands for the surname of the designer Hannu Veijalainen. At the bottom of the inner ring, the inscription FI and the mint mark are shown. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[136]
[77]  Malta First election of representatives in 1849
First of the Maltese constitutional history series
430,000 coins October 2011
Description: The centre of the coin depicts a hand putting a vote into a ballot box. There are two inscriptions: the year mark at the bottom of the inner part of the coin, and at the top and right the inscription MALTA – First elected representatives 1849. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[137]
[78]  Vatican City 26th World Youth Day 115,000 coins October 2011
Description: The inner part of the coin shows three young people and two flags, as well as the mint mark and the year mark. At the top of the inner ring, interrupted by a crown and the flags, is the inscription XXVI G. M. G. (for the Italian 26ª Giornata Mondiale della Gioventù). At the bottom of the inner ring is the inscription CITTÀ DEL VATICANO. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[138]

2012 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[79]  Germany Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen (Bavaria)
Seventh of the Bundesländer I series
30 million coins 3 February 2012[139]
Description: The design by Erich Ott and shows the most famous view of Neuschwanstein Castle. The design shows the view from the east as visitors see it during their ascent to the castle, with the gatehouse in the foreground and the medieval-style towers and turrets. The panoramic mountain situated behind the castle are also depicted, as the castle sits on a cliff overlooking the Pöllatschlucht. The inscription BAYERN appears below the design. The mint mark is to the right, the initials of the artist on the left side. The year mark appears between the 3 lowest stars on the outer ring. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[140]
[80]  Luxembourg 100 years since the death of William IV, Grand Duke of Luxembourg[141] 722,500 coins[139] 9 February 2012
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts Grand Duke Henri (looking to the right) on the left side, superimposed on Grand Duke William IV, looking to the right. The inscription GRANDS-DUCS DE LUXEMBOURG and the year mark appear above the effigies, flanked by the mintmark and the initials of the mint master. In front of the effigies, the outline of the city of Luxembourg appears as a background. The names HENRI and GUILLAUME IV and the text † 1912 are written below the respective effigies. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[142]
[81]  Spain Burgos Cathedral
Third of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series
8 million coins 1 March 2012
Description: The inner part of the coin portrays a view of the Burgos Cathedral. The name of the issuing country ESPAÑA appears at the upper left hand side, while the year mark and the mint mark appear on the right hand side. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[143]
[82]  Belgium 75th anniversary of the Queen Elisabeth Music Competition[139] 5 million coins 6 June 2012
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts the emblem of the Queen Elisabeth Competition superimposed on the effigy of Queen Elisabeth, looking to the left, flanked on the left and right respectively by the mark of the mint master and the mark of the Brussels mint, a helmeted profile of the Archangel Michael. The years 1937–2012 are inscribed above the effigy, and the words 'QUEEN ELISABETH COMPETITION' below it. The nationality 'BE' is indicated to the right of the portrait of the Queen. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[144]
[83]  San Marino 10th anniversary of euro coins and banknotes[139] 130,000 coins 19 June 2012
Description: The euro sign is in the centre of the coin. The design elements around the euro symbol on the coin express the importance of the euro to the people, to the financial world (ECB tower), to trading (ships), to industry (factories), to the energy sector and to research and development (wind power stations). The artist's initials AH appear under the image of the ECB tower. The name of the issuing country SAN MARINO appears at the top, the mint mark at the right, while the years 2002 and 2012 appear at the bottom. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[145]

Note: Although the design is the same as the 2012 common issue, the coin is issued as national coinage since common side issues are restricted to EU member states.[1]

[84]  Portugal Guimarães, European Capital of Culture 2012[139] 520,000 coins 21 June 2012
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts a stylised image of Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, together with his sword and the Castle of Guimarães, which is regarded as the birthplace of Portugal as an independent nation in the 12th century. To the left of the image is the Portuguese shield above the word "PORTUGAL". To the lower right is the inscription "GUIMARÃES 2012" with the logo of Guimarães 2012 European Capital of Culture. Along the lower edge of the inner part are the mintmark "INCM" and the name of the designer, "JOSÉ DE GUIMARÃES". The outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European flag.[146]
[85]  France 100th birthday of Abbé Pierre[139] 1 million coins 24 June 2012
Description: The coin depicts a portrait of Abbé Pierre, with his béret and the logo of his foundation, including a microtext stating Et les autres? (his favorite motto to recall that one should never forget to help the others). The letters RF and the mint mark appear on the left side, while the hallmark of the engraving workshop is on the right side. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[147]
[86]  Monaco 500th anniversary of the foundation of Monaco's sovereignty 110,000 coins 1 July 2012
Description: The inner part of the coin shows a portrait of LUCIEN 1er Grimaldi in profile facing to the left. The words "SOUVERAINETE DE MONACO" appear above the portrait in an arc along the upper edge of the inner part of the coin, flanked by the years "1512" and "2012". Two ornamental details are engraved at the beginning and at the end of the text. At the bottom, the horn of plenty, mintmark of the "Monnaie de Paris" and the "fleurette", hallmark of the engraving workshop, flank the portrait on the left hand side and the right hand side, respectively. Above the mintmark is engraved the inscription "LUCIEN Ier". The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[148]
[87]  Italy 100 years since the death of Giovanni Pascoli[139] 15 million coins 18 July 2012
Description: In the centre of the coin the effigy of Giovanni Pascoli is depicted. Under his effigy there is the inscription G. PASCOLI. On the right part of the coin there is the yearmark (2012) and under of it the Italian monogramm (RI). On the left part of the coin the year when Pascoli died is minted (1912) and under of it there is the mint mark and the designer's mark. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.
[88]  Malta Majority Representation in 1887
Second of the Maltese constitutional history series[139]
455,000 coins 20 August 2012
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts eight men in front of the Maltese Parliament, in Valletta. On the upper part of the coin the legend MALTA – Majority Representation 1887 is inscribed.On the lower part of the coins the year of the coinage(2012) is minted. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[149]
[89]  Finland[150] 150 years Helene Schjerfbeck 2 million coins 5 October 2012
Description: The design shows a stylised self-portrait of the artist with the text Helene SCHJERFBECK on the left and the yearmarks 1862–1946 on the right. Left on the lower side of the coin are the yearmark 2012 and the country's reference FI. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[151]
[90]  Vatican City 7th World Meeting of Families[139] 115,000 coins 16 October 2012
Description: The inner ring features a family with the Cathedral of Milan. The inscription 'VII INCONTRO MONDIALE DELLE FAMIGLIE' surrounds the design, forming a semi-circle which is complemented at the upper right side by the name of the issuing state 'CITTÁ DEL VATICANO'. The year 2012 appears on the right side and the name of the artist 'G. TITOTTO' followed by the indication of the engraver 'LDS Inc' is displayed on the left side. The mintmark 'R' appears at the bottom of the design, between the mother and the child.[152]
[91]  Luxembourg Royal Wedding of Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg to Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy 512,000 coins 19 December 2012[153]
Description: The coin depicts on the left hand of its inner part the effigy of the Grand-Duke Henri, and the right hand of its inner part the effigy of the Heir Grand-Duke Guillaume superimposed on the effigy of the Countess Stéphanie. The texts "PRËNZENHOCHZAÏT" and "LËTZEBUERG" and the year-date "2012", flanked by the mintmark and the initials of the Mint master, appear at the bottom of the inner part of the coin. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[154]

2012 commonly issued coin[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[92]  European Union 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 89,795,361 coins 2 January – 30 March 2012
Description:[155] The euro sign in the centre of the coin's design symbolizes that the euro has become an element of particular importance in Europe as well as all over the world as it evolved into a global player in the international monetary system in the last ten years. The design elements around the euro sign express the importance of the euro to the people, to the financial world (ECB tower), to trading (ships), to industry (factories), to the energy sector and research and development (wind power stations). The design was created by Helmut Andexlinger (designer at the Austrian Mint). The artist's initials AH appear below the image of the ECB tower. The name(s) of the issuing country in the national language(s) appear(s) at the top (with the exception for Belgium, where it states "BE"), while the years 2002 and 2012 appear at the bottom. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[156]
 Austria 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 11 million coins 2 January 2012
Inscription: REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH, 2002, 2012
 Estonia 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 2 million coins 2 January 2012
Inscription: EESTI, 2002, 2012
 Germany 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 30,725,000 coins 2 January 2012
Inscription: BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND, 2002, 2012
 Greece 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 1 million coins 2 January 2012
Inscription: ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ, 2002, 2012
 Slovakia 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 1 million coins 2 January 2012
Inscription: SLOVENSKO, 2002, 2012
 Spain 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 4 million coins 2 January 2012
Inscription: ESPAÑA, 2002, 2012
 Ireland 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 1,354,867 coins 3 January 2012
Inscription: ÉIRE, 2002, 2012
 Slovenia 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 1 million coins 3 January 2012
Inscription: SLOVENIJA, 2002, 2012
 France 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 10,010,994 coins 5 January 2012
Inscription: RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE, 2002, 2012
 Finland 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 1,500,000 coins 12 January 2012
Inscription: SUOMI FINLAND, 2002, 2012
 Belgium 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 5,022,000 coins 30 January 2012
Inscription: BE, 2002, 2012
 Luxembourg 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 532,500 coins 31 January 2012
Inscription: LËTZEBUERG, 2002, 2012

As with the previous common commemorative coins, an obligatory latent image of Grand Duke Henri was added to the Luxembourgish edition. The portrait is located in the same space as the euro sign and the surrounding globe.

 Cyprus 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 1 million coins 13 February 2012
Inscription: ΚΥΠΡΟΣ KIBRIS, 2002, 2012
 Netherlands 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 3,500,000 coins 13 February 2012
Inscription: NEDERLAND, 2002, 2012
 Portugal 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 520,000 coins 24 February 2012[157]
Inscription: PORTUGAL, 2002, 2012
 Italy 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 15 million coins 20 March 2012
Inscription: REPUBLICA ITALIANA, 2002, 2012
 Malta 10th anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes 500,000 coins 30 March 2012
Inscription: MALTA, 2002, 2012

2013 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[93]  Germany 50th anniversary of the signing of the Élysée Treaty
Joint issue with France
11 million coins 22 January 2013
Description:[158] The coin, which was designed by Yves Sampo of the Monnaie de Paris, Stefanie Lindner of the Berlin State Mint, Alina Hoyer (Berlin) and Sneschana Russewa-Hoyer (Berlin), depicts stylised portraits of the Élysée Treaty's signatories (the then-Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Konrad Adenauer and the former President of the French Republic Charles de Gaulle), their signatures and the words "50 ANS JAHRE" with the year "2013" in the centre, the words "TRAITÉ DE L'ÉLYSÉE" at the top and the words "ÉLYSÉE-VERTRAG" at the bottom. The right side of the inner part also features the mint mark of the respective mint ("A", "D", "F", "G" or "J") as well as the issuing country's code "D".[154]
[94]  France 50th anniversary of the signing of the Élysée Treaty
Joint issue with Germany
10,017,789 coins 22 January 2013
Description: The coin, which was designed by Yves Sampo of the Monnaie de Paris, Stefanie Lindner of the Berlin State Mint, Alina Hoyer (Berlin) and Sneschana Russewa-Hoyer (Berlin), depicts stylised portraits of the Élysée Treaty's signatories (the then-Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Konrad Adenauer and the former President of the French Republic Charles de Gaulle), their signatures and the words '50 ANS JAHRE' with the year '2013' in the centre, the words 'TRAITÉ DE L'ÉLYSÉE' at the top and the words 'ÉLYSÉE-VERTRAG' at the bottom. The right side of the inner part features the mint mark as well as the issuing country's code 'RF' and the left side features the 'fleurette', hallmark of the engraving workshop.[159]
[95]  Germany Maulbronn Abbey in Baden-Württemberg.
Eighth of the Bundesländer I series
30 million coins 1 February 2013
Description: Maulbronn Monastery, founded 1147 by Cistercians, is the best-preserved medieval monastery complex in Europe. The coin, which was designed by Eugen Ruhl, presents the interior of the fountain house or lavatorium, besides the western facade of the convent church with its atrium, named paradise. Since 1993 the monastery is part of the Unesco World Heritage.
[96]  Slovenia 800 years since the discovery of the Postojna Cave[160] 1 million coins 4 February 2013
Description: The central image of the coin is a stylised spiral, which at the left side of the coin begins with inscription 'POSTOJNSKA JAMA • 1213–2013 • SLOVENIJA' and ends with two stylised speleothems.[161]
[97]  Netherlands The announcement of the abdication of the throne by Queen Beatrix 20 million coins 7 February 2013
Description: The design depicts on the foreground the effigy of Queen Beatrix and on the background, partly covered by the effigy of the Queen, the effigy of the Prince of Orange. The circumscription around both effigies reads: WILLEM-ALEXANDER PRINS VAN ORANJE (crown symbol) BEATRIX KONINGIN DER NEDERLANDEN (mint mark) 28 januari 2013 (mint master mark). The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[162]
[98]  Spain Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Madrid
Fourth of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series
8 million coins 2 March 2013
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts a view of the San Lorenzo del Escorial Monastery. On the upper side, in circular sense and with capital letters, the name of the issuing country 'ESPAÑA'. At the right hand side, the year of issuance '2013' and the mint mark. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[163]
[99]  Italy 200 years since the birth of Giuseppe Verdi 10 million coins 20 May 2013
Description: The design shows the bust of Giuseppe VERDI in three quarter view facing left; on the left, superimposed letters of the Italian Republic monogram 'RI'/1813; on the right, R (monogram of the Mint of Rome)/2013; in exergue, MCC (monogram of the Author Maria Carmela COLANERI)/G. VERDI. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[164]
[100]  France 150th anniversary of the birth of Pierre de Coubertin 1,014,338 coins 3 June 2013
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts the face of Pierre de Coubertin still young. Stylised Olympic rings form the background. They provide the framework for silhouettes symbolising the Olympic sports. At the left, the indication of the issuing country 'RF' and the year '2013'. At the top, the inscription 'PIERRE DE COUBERTIN' in semi-circle. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[165]
[101]  Vatican City Sede vacante 125,000 coins 3 June 2013
Description: The design features the coat of arms of the Cardinal Camerlengo and above it the symbol of the Apostolic Camera, two small crosses, the words 'CITTÀ DEL VATICANO' at the left and 'SEDE VACANTE MMXIII' at the right. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[166]
[102]  Monaco 20th anniversary of its accession to the ONU on 28 May 1993 1,249,131 coins 17 June 2013
Description: The coin depicts a dove with an olive branch, with in the middle of the arc, on the left side the cornucopia, and on the right side the punch, as the workshop Paris Mint mark. At the top, in semi-circle, the indication of the issuing country 'MONACO' and at the bottom, in semi-circle, the inscription '1993 ADMISSION À L'ONU 2013'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[167]
[103]  Portugal 250th anniversary of the Clérigos Tower, Porto 525,000 coins 20 June 2013
Description: The Baroque church of the clergy was built between 1732 and 1750, its monumental tower from 1754 to 1763, by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. The 75,6 metres high tower is dominating the city and became its symbol. The coin, designed by Hugo Maciel, also presents the Dom Luis Bridge across the Douro. Opened in 1886, it is also part of Porto's Historic Center and, since 1996, UNESCO World Heritage site.
[104]  Malta Establishment of Self-Government in 1921
Third of the Maltese constitutional history series
542,500 coins 24 June 2013
Description: The designs shows a map of the Maltese islands and a representation of the population. At the bottom of the design, the year '2013'. At the top, in semi-circle, the words 'MALTA – Self-government 1921'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[168]
[105]  Slovakia 1150 years from the Byzantine Advent of advent of the Mission of Constantine and Methodius to the Great Moravia. 1 million coins 5 July 2013
Description: The design depicts the Thessalonian brothers Constantine and Methodius along with the symbolic double cross stood on three hills. The cross is at the same time held as a Bishop's crozier, thereby linking together symbols of statehood and Christianity and emphasising the significance of the brothers' mission, which helped ensure the full sovereignty and legitimacy of Great Moravia – the first Slav state in central Europe. The figure of Constantine is holding a book representing education and faith, while Methodius is shown with a church symbolising faith and institutional Christianity. Along the lower edge of the inner part of the coin is the name of the issuing country 'SLOVENSKO', the year '863' and the year '2013', with a dividing mark between each. Along the upper edge of the inner part are the names 'KONŠTANTÍN' and 'METOD'. To the left of the brothers are the stylised letters 'mh', the initials of the coin's designer Miroslav Hric, and to the right is the mint mark of the Kremnica Mint, comprising the letters 'MK' placed between two dies. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[169]
[106]  Italy 700th birthday of Giovanni Boccaccio 10 million coins 25 July 2013
Description: The design shows the head of Giovanni BOCCACCIO in three quarter view facing right, drawn from the fresco by Andrea del Castagno, around 1450 c. (Florence, Galleria degli Uffizi); around, on the bottom, BOCCACCIO 1313 2013; on the right, superimposed letters R (monogram of the Mint of Rome)/RI(monogram of Italian Republic)/m (monogram of the Author Mauri). The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[170]
[107]  Finland 150th anniversary of the Parliament of 1863 when regular parliament sessions started in Finland 1 million coins 4 September 2013
Description: The 2-euro commemorative coin is depicted with the year 1863 and a shoot growing out of it symbolising the start of democracy and Finland's development. In semicircle, at the bottom, the name of the issuing country 'SUOMI FINLAND' with the two words separated by the mint mark, and the year '2013'. The Diet of 1863 is the start of period of illumination. In Finland, the year 1863 marked a start for genuine democracy, transparent press operations and the right to use the Finnish language. With the beginning of regular meetings of the Diet, the opportunities of Finns to influence affairs in their own country improved in an unprecedented way. The year marked the beginning of a period of illumination for Finnish democracy. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[171]
[108]  San Marino 500th anniversary of the death of Pinturicchio 115 000 coins 13 September 2013
Description: In the foreground, the fresco 'Christ among the doctors'; in the lower part, the inscription 'SAN MARINO' in semi-circle; to the left, the letter 'R', which is the Italian mint mark; below the fresco, the name of the author 'MOMONI'; above the fresco, the inscription 'PINTURICCHIO' in semi-circle with the years '1513' and '2013' below it. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[172]
[109]  Belgium 100 years of Royal Meteorological Institute 2,010,000 coins 18 September 2013
Description: The obverse of the coin displays in its centre the number 100 with the first zero encircling the abbreviations 'KMI' and 'IRM' and the second zero representing a sun. Isobars, raindrops and snowflakes are depicted to the left of the sun. The year '2013' is displayed in the upper rays of the sun and the nationality 'BE' is indicated in the lower rays. The mark of the mint master and the mark of the Brussels mint, a helmeted profile of the Archangel Michael, are displayed under the '1' of the number '100'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[173]
[110]  Greece 2400th anniversary of the Founding of the Platonic Academy 754,000 coins 1 October 2013
Description: The inner part of the coin shows the profile of Plato, the founder of the Platonic Academy. On the left side of the coin is depicted the Greek inscription 2400 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΙΔΡΥΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΑΚΑΔΗΜΙΑΣ ΠΛΑΤΩΝΟΣ (2400 years since the founding of the Platonic Academy) and the name of the issuing country (ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ) in ancient Greek font. The mint mark and the year mark 2013 are to the right. On the bottom is the monogram ΣΤΑΜ of the author G. Stamatopoulos. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.[174]
[111]  Greece 100th anniversary of the Union of Crete with Greece 754,000 coins 1 October 2013
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts Cretan rebels raising the Greek flag, a symbolic representation of Crete's struggle for Union with Greece. On the upper side, in circular sense and with capital letters the name of the issuing country 'Hellenic Republic' in Greek. Underneath the words: '100 years of the union of Crete with Greece' in Greek. On the right: '1913–2013' and the monogram of the Greek Mint. In exergue, 'ΣΤΑΜ' (monogram of the author G. Stamatopoulos). The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[175]
[112]  Vatican City 28th World Youth DayRio de Janeiro 94,000 coins 15 October 2013
Description: The design features the most known monument of Rio de Janeiro, the 'Christ of Corcovado' and some young people around the statue. At the top, in semi-circle, the inscription 'XXVIII G.M.G. CITTÀ DEL VATICANO RIO 2013'. At the right, the mintmark 'R' and the name of the artist 'P DANIELE'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[176]
[113]  Luxembourg National Anthem of the Grand Duchy 522,000 coins 16 October 2013
Description: The coin depicts on the right hand of its inner part the effigy of the Grand Duke Henri, looking to the left, and on the left hand of its inner part the musical notation as well as the text of the national anthem. The text 'Ons Heemecht' appears at the top of the inner part and the name of the issuing country 'LËTZEBUERG' as well as the year-date '2013', flanked by the mint mark and the initials of the mint master, appear at the bottom of the inner part of the coin. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[177]
[114]  Finland 125th anniversary of the birth of Nobel Prize-winning author Frans Eemil Sillanpää 1,500,000 coins 4 November 2013
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts Sillanpää's portrait. At the top, in semi-circle, the words 'F. E. SILLANPÄÄ'. At the left, the year '1888' and the mint mark. At the right, the year '1964', the indication of the issuing country 'FI' and the year of issuance '2013'. This is a special coin to commemorate the grandfather of a whole nation. F. E. SILLANPÄÄ was a master of style who brought deep insights about the relationship between people and nature into Finnish literature. He was awarded the Nobel prize in 1939 based in particular on the works Meek Heritage and The Maid Silja. This masterful author gained even more national renown with his popular radio appearances and memorable Christmas columns. After the war years, the master writer evolved into the long-bearded 'Taata', the unofficial grandfather to the country. From recollections of his childhood Christmases emerged a well-loved tradition: Grandpa gathered the whole nation devoutly around their radios with his easy-going Christmas 'talks'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[178]
[115]  Netherlands 200th anniversary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands 3,500,000 coins 25 November 2013
Description: The inner part of the design shows a continuing ribbon that starts from the outside depicting the effigy of King Willem-Alexander and continues to depict the effigies of his six predecessors: Queen Beatrix, Queen Juliana, Queen Wilhelmina, King Willem III, King Willem II and King Willem I. The effigies are surrounded by the inscription 'Willem-Alexander Koning der Nederlanden' followed by the Royal Dutch mintmark, the mint master mark, the year 2013, the initials of the designer and at the left side of the effigies the inscription '200 jaar Koninkrijk der Nederlanden'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[179]

2014 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[116]  Luxembourg 175th anniversary of the Luxembourg's independence 519,500 coins 6 January 2014
Description: The coin depicts on the right hand side of its inner part the effigy of the Grand-Duke Henri, looking to the right, and on the left hand side of its inner part, vertically positioned, the years '1839' and '2014' and the name of the issuing country 'LËTZEBUERG'. The inscriptions 'ONOFHÄNGEGKEET' and '175 Joër' appear at the bottom of the inner part of the coin. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[180]
[117]  Spain Park Güell, work of Antoni Gaudí
Fifth of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series
8,094,000 coins 7 February 2014
Description: The coin depicts in the foreground a lizard sculpture which is the Park Güell emblem and was designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí. As background a detail of one of the pavilions situated at the Park Güell entrance. At the top, in circular sense and in capital letters the words 'ESPAÑA' and 'PARK GÜELL – GAUDÍ'. At the left the year of issuance '2014' and at the right the mintmark. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[181]
[118]  Germany St. Michael's Church in Hildesheim, Lower Saxony.
Ninth of the Bundesländer I series
30,824,300 coins 7 February 2014
Description: The portroyal of Saint Michael Church in Hildesheim. At the top, on the left, the year 2014. At the bottom, bas, la legend NIEDERSACHSEN and the initial of the issuing country D (for Deutschland). The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.
[119]  Italy 200th anniversary of the Carabinieri 6,525,000 coins 25 March 2014
Description: The design shows a reinterpretation of the sculpture 'Pattuglia di Carabinieri nella tormenta' made in 1973 by Antonio Berti; on the right, superimposed letters of the Italian Republic monogram 'RI'/2014; on the left, 1814; up, superimposed letters R (monogram of the Mint of Rome); in exergue, LDS (monogram of the Author Luciana De Simoni)/CARABINIERI. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[182]
[120]  Slovakia 10 years of Slovakian membership in the European Union 1 million coins 1 April 2014
Description: At the centre of the national side are the stylised letters 'EÚ', as the abbreviation of the European Union, with the coat of arms of the Slovak Republic incorporated in the foreground. On the right-hand side of the inner part of the coin, in two lines, is the date of the Slovak Republic's accession to the European Union, '1.5.2004', and immediately below it the year '2014'. Inscribed along the bottom edge of the inner part is the name of the issuing country, 'SLOVENSKO', while in a semi-circle along the upper edge is the inscription '10. VÝROČIE VSTUPU DO EURÓPSKEJ ÚNIE'. To the lower left is the mint mark of Kremnica Mint (composed of the letters 'MK' between two dies), and to the lower right are the stylised letters 'MP', the initials of the designer, Mária Poldaufová. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
[121]  Portugal 40 years since the Carnation Revolution 520,000 coins 23 April 2014
Description: The two curves represent the general shape of a carnation, the flower symbolizing the movement, which was also the origin of the revolution's name. The name of the issuing country 'PORTUGAL' and the Coat of Arms are inscribed on the top of the flower. The center of the image shows the date of the event '25 DE ABRIL' (25 April) and at the bottom is written the number of years past since the revolution '40 ANOS'(40 years) and the year of issuance '2014'. The shape of the letters and numbers is inspired on those used in posters and other political information supports 40 years ago, as a symbol of the euphoric period lived right after the event. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[183]
[122]  Belgium 100 years since the beginning of World War I 1,750,000 coins 12 May 2014
Description: The coin's central field depicts a poppy above the years 2014–18. Below these years appears the inscription 'The Great War Centenary', under which are the signature mark of the Master of the Mint and the mark of the Brussels mint, a helmeted profile of the archangel Michael. The top of the central field features the trilingual inscription 'BELGIE – BELGIQUE – BELGIEN'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[184]
[123]  Netherlands King Willem-Alexander and Princess Beatrix 5,291,000 coins 22 May 2014
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts the effigies of both the King Willem-Alexander and the former Queen Beatrix. At the left, in semi-circle, the inscription 'WILLEM-ALEXANDER KONING DER NEDERLANDEN' and at the right, in semi-circle, the inscription 'BEATRIX PRINSES DER NEDERLANDEN'. Between the two inscriptions, at the top, the crown symbol and at the bottom the mint master mark, the mint mark and in between the year of issuance '2014'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[185]
[124]  Malta Independence from Britain in 1964
Fourth of the Maltese constitutional history series
432,500 coins 3 June 2014 (sets)
29 October 2014 (rolls)
Description: The coin commemorating the Malta Independence constitution of 1964 is the fourth in the series of five coins that commemorate constitutional milestones in Maltese history. By means of the 1964 constitution Malta became an independent nation for the first time after hundreds of years of foreign domination. The national side of the coin shows a detail of the bronze monument commemorating independence which was designed by the artist Gianni Bonnici in 1989. It shows a young woman, representing Malta, carrying the Maltese flag. At the right, in semi-circle the inscription MALTA – Independence 1964 and at the bottom the year of issuance 2014. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
[125]  France 70 years since D-Day 3,019,675 coins 11 June 2014
Description: In the coin's central field the word D-DAY is written in such a way as to depict a landing craft and a tank gun barrel. The years 1944–2014 appear above the tank gun, with the inscription '70e anniversaire du débarquement' (70th anniversary of the landings) further down. The distinctive footprints left by the boots worn by American, British and Canadian troops are gradually disappearing in the sand, washed away by a wave. The words of a poem by Verlaine used as a code for the start of the landings are engraved on the wave: 'Les sanglots longs des violons de l'automne blessent mon coeur d'une langueur monotone' (the long sobs of the violins of autumn wound my heart with a monotonous languor). The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[186]
[126]  Finland 100 years since the birth of Tove Jansson 1,500,000 coins 16 June 2014
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts Tove Jansson's portrait. Under the portrait the signature 'Tove Jansson' and the years '1914–2001'. At the left the indication of the issuing country 'FI'. At the right the year of issuance '2014' and the mint mark. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[187]
[127]  Italy 450 years since the birth of Galileo Galilei 6,500,000 coins 17 June 2014 (sets)
21 November 2014 (rolls)
Description:The design shows the head of Galileo Galilei from the painting of Justus Sustermans, 1636 (Florence, Galleria degli Uffizi); around, upside, GALILEO GALILEI; on the right, superimposed letters R (monogram of the Mint of Rome)/astronomic telescope/C.M. (monogram of the Author Claudia Momoni); on the left, superimposed letters of the Italian Republic monogram 'RI'; in exergue 1564–2014. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[188]
[128]  San Marino 500th anniversary since the death of Donato Bramante 114,000 coins 23 June 2014
Description: The effigy of Bramante Tempietto to the right of the Church of San Pietro in Montorio, Rome, somewhat exceeding the outline of a rectangle surrounded by the years 1514 and 2014. The legend BRAMANTE LAZZARI DELLE PENNE DI SAN MARINO (Bramante Lazzari feathers San Marino) surrounds the drawing. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
[129]  Malta 200th anniversary of the Malta Police Force 300,000 coins 16 July 2014
Description: The coin commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Malta Police Force which was set up by means of proclamation XXII of 1814. Thus the Malta Police Force is one of the oldest in Europe. The national side of the coin depicts the badge of the Malta Police Force with the legend '200 Years Malta Police Force' and the dates 1814–2014. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[189]
[130]  Latvia Riga, European Capital of Culture 2014 1,005,000 coins 12 August 2014
Description: The central image of the coin shows the skyline of Riga and the historic centre of the city that has been included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Depicted are, from left to right: St. John's Church, St. James's Cathedral, Three-Stars-Tower of Riga Castle, St. Peter's Church and Riga Cathedral. At the top of the image, the inscription 'EIROPAS KULTŪRAS GALVASPILSĒTA' (European Capital of Culture) and at the bottom the name of the celebrated city and the year of issuance 'RĪGA – 2014', and underneath the indication of the issuing country 'LV'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[190]
[131]  Belgium 150 years of the Belgian Red Cross 287,500 coins 18 September 2014
Description: The inner part of the coin features a cross with the number '150' in its centre. The vertical and horizontal bars of the cross bear the words 'Rode Kruis' and 'Croix-Rouge' respectively. The cross is surrounded by the mark of the Brussels mint (a helmeted profile of the archangel Michael), the signature mark of the Master of the Mint, the year 2014, and the country code 'BE'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[191]
[132]  Greece 150th anniversary of the Union of the Ionian Islands with Greece 754,000 coins 24 September 2014
Description: The 'Seven Point Star' symbolizes the "Ionian Dimension" ("Ιόνια Διάσταση"): the 'Group of Seven Islands' ("Ἑπτάνησα" / Eptanisa) in the Ionian Sea bore and inspired outstanding representatives in the fields of art, important musicians, poets, painters and politicians. Clockwise from top, the visuals symbolize the following islands: – Corfu's emblem is the "apēdalos naus" ("Άπήδαλος Nαῦς": ship without steering gear), as great nautical powers were attributed to the island and its sailors were well known for their nautical abilities and skills since ancient times – Zakynthos is represented by the sacrificial tripod of ApolloIthaca: Odysseus is depicted with the ancient hat PileusPaxi's emblem is a trident: according to a mythological tale, it was created when Poseidon hit the island of Corfu with his trident, splitting it in two – Kythira, the island of celestial Aphrodite, depicted on a scallop, symbolizing her 'emergence from the sea' – Lefkada is represented by the 'Apollonian harp' ("Απολλώνια Άρπα"), symbol for its great musical tradition – Cephalonia's emblem is its mythical – eponymous – hero Cephalus. The coin was designed by Maria Andonatou, whose signet is depicted at lower left.[192]
[133]  Greece 400 years since the death of El Greco 754,000 coins 24 September 2014
Description: The inner part of the coin shows a portrait of Domenikos Theotokopoulos. The background features a typical figure from his work, illustrative of his technique. On the left: the year 2014 and the characteristic signature of the artist ('Domenikos Theotokopoulos Epoiei'). On the right: the mint mark of the Greek State Mint. The entire design is encircled in an inscription reading in Greek 'DOMENIKOS THEOTOKOPOULOS 1541–1614' ('ΔΟΜΗΝΙΚΟΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ 1541–1614') and the name of the issuing country 'HELLENIC REPUBLIC'('ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ'). The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[193]
[134]  San Marino 90th anniversary since the death of Giacomo Puccini 100,000 coins 29 September 2014
Description: The effigy of Giacomo Puccini surrounded on the left by the name G. PUCCINI and, on the right, the name of the issuing country SAN MARINO. The year 2014 is placed at the bottom left. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
[135]  Vatican City 25 years since the Fall of the Berlin Wall 103,000 coins 14 October 2014
Description: The design depicts some bricks of the partially collapsed Berlin Wall in the foreground, with the wording "XXV ANNIVERSARIO DEL CROLLO DEL MURO DI BERLINO 1989 2014"(25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall 1989 2014) written within the bricks. An olive branch can be seen in the centre, in a gap between the bricks and a piece of barbed wire, and the Brandenburg Gate appears in the background. At the top, the words "CITTA DEL VATICANO" are inscribed. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
[136]  Portugal International Year of Family Farming 520,000 coins 31 October 2014
Description: On the central part of the design are represented tools typically used in the traditional agriculture, together with farming products: a chicken in the center, surrounded by pumpkins, a basket of potatoes, and other vegetables and flowers. On the left side, in semi-circle, the subject of the commemoration 'AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR' (Family Farming) and on the right side, in semi-circle, the name of the issuing country 'PORTUGAL' followed by the year of issuance '2014'. At the bottom left the mintmark 'INCM'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[194]
[137]  Luxembourg 50th anniversary of Grand Duke Jean accession to the throne 512,000 coins 6 November 2014
Description: The coin's inner part depicts the effigies of the Grand-Duke Henri and the Grand-Duke Jean, both looking to the left. It is surmounted by the year '1964' above the effigy of the Grand-Duke Jean and by a crown. At the bottom, the names 'Jean' and 'Henri' appear below the respective effigy as well as the year '2014'. The inscription '50e ANNIVERSAIRE DE L'ACCESSION AU TRÔNE DU GRAND-DUC JEAN' encloses in circular form the upper inner part of the coin. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[195]
[138]  Finland 100 years since the birth of Ilmari Tapiovaara 1 million coins 10 November 2014
Description: The left inner part of the design shows Ilmari Tapiovaara's name and years. The right inner part of the design depicts a close-up from the furniture fitting characteristic for Ilmari Tapiovaara. At the right the indication of the issuing country "FI", the mint mark and the year of issuance "2014". The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
[139]  Slovenia 600th anniversary since the Coronation of Barbara of Cilli 1 million coins 17 November 2014
Description: The central image of the coin shows, with lined pattern, the portrait of the Queen Barbara of Celje with her sceptre. On the image are placed three typical six-pointed stars of Celje counts. On the left side of the portrait is the inscription 'SLOVENIJA' and on the right side the inscription 'BARBARA CELJSKA' and the years '1414–2014'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[196]
[140]  France World AIDS Day 3 million coins 24 November 2014
Description: The red ribbon, symbolising the fight against AIDS, is featured in the coin's central field. The ribbon was created by the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus and the US painter Frank Moore. It should be worn close to the heart to symbolise solidarity with AIDS sufferers and is in the shape of an upside-down V. The idea is for it to be worn as a V one day to signify victory over the disease. There are three ribbons in the central field. One is in the conventional position and will be coloured red for the brilliant uncirculated (BU) and proof (PRF) versions. The other two ribbons are inverted and associated with two Vs to strengthen the symbolism of the much-hoped-for victory over the disease. The date 1 December, Unesco World AIDS Day, appears at the top of the central field. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[197]
[141]  Spain King Felipe VI's accession to the throne 12 million coins 10 December 2014
Description: The design depicts the overlapping portraits of Kings Felipe VI and Juan Carlos I. At the bottom the name of the issuing country and the year of issuance: "ESPAÑA – 2014". At the right, the mint mark. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
[142]  Andorra 20 years in the Council of Europe 105,000 coins 29 February 2016
Description: The design shows at the centre left the coat of arms of Andorra followed by the inscription ‘20’ where the zero is stylised to represent the Council of Europe’s flag. At the top are the inscriptions ‘ANDORRA’ and underneath ‘AL CONSELL D’EUROPA’. The year ‘2014’ appears at the bottom left followed by an oblique line. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

2015 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[143]  Spain Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
Sixth of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series
8 million coins 30 January 2015
Description: The design depicts in the foreground the bison painting from the Cave of Altamira located in Cantabria. In the upper side of the image, in circular sense and with capital letters, the word 'ESPAÑA', at the bottom the year of issuance '2015' and at the right the mint mark. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[198]
[144]  Germany 25 years of German Unity 30,500,000 coins 30 January 2015
Description: The people in the foreground, who embody a new beginning and the advance towards a better future, are standing in front of the Brandenburg Gate, symbol of German unity. The rendering of the statement Wir sind ein Volk ("we are one people") – a collective expression of will by German citizens – represents the path forwards towards German reunification. The inner part also features the mint mark of the respective mint ("A", "D", "F", "G" or "J") as well as the issuing country's country code "D" and the engraver's mark (the initials "BW" – Bernd Wendhut). The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[199]
[145]  France 70 years of peace in Europe 4,020,000 coins 30 January 2015
Description: On the coin's reverse, the dove is drawn in a graphical and modern way. It carries in its beak an olive branch whose branches have been replaced by the 12 stars of the European Flag, symbol of peace in Europe. The 28 countries of the European Union are symbolised by their own ISO code. The Europa Star logo is present on the reverse, close to the dove.
[146]  Germany Paulskirche in Frankfurt am Main
Tenth of the Bundesländer I series
30,765,000 coins 30 January 2015
Description: The design depicts a classic perspective on St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt (the 'Paulskirche' was the seat of Germany's first freely elected legislative body in 1849 and is regarded as the cradle of German democracy) and is therefore the perspective possessing the greatest recognition value. The design incisively brings out the tension between the dominant tower and the elliptical structure of the church. The slightly exaggerated flight of steps has an inviting quality while simultaneously offering support to the subjacent inscription 'HESSEN' (the Federal State of Hessen in which St. Paul's Church is situated). The inner part also features the year '2015' and the mint mark of the respective mint ('A', 'D', 'F', 'G' or 'J') at the left side as well as the issuing country's indication 'D' and the engraver's mark (the initials 'HH' – Heinz Hoyer) at the right side.[200]
[147]  Latvia EU Presidency 1,025,000 coins 10 February 2015
Description:An archetypal image of a millstone, the logo of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with the inscriptions LATVIJAS PREZIDENTŪRA ES PADOMĒ (Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU) and EU2015.LV above and beneath it respectively.[201]
[148]  Finland 150 years since the birth of Jean Sibelius 1 million coins 18 February 2015
Description: At the inner part of the coin is sky with stars, tree tops at the right. The text 'JEAN SIBELIUS' and the year of issuance '2015' are placed at the left inner part of the coin. At the right is the indication of the issuing country 'FI' and the mint mark. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[202]
[149]  San Marino 750 years since the birth of Dante Alighieri 100,000 coins 8 April 2015
Description: The design by Annalisa Masini shows a portrait of Dante, taken from a fresco by Botticelli. At the right of the portrait, the inscription 'DANTE' on a vertical axis. At the right of the inner centre, the name of the issuing country 'SAN MARINO' in semi-circle. Between these two inscriptions, the mint mark 'R', the years '1265' and '2015' and the initials of the artist 'AM'. The lettering style used in identifying the nation and the coin's subject was inspired by lettering in the first copies of the Divina Commedia (Dante's Divine Comedy).[203]
[150]  Portugal 150 years Portuguese Red Cross 520,000 coins 15 April 2015
Description: The design depicts a visual composition based on the well-known cross, symbol of the organisation, replicated several times to represent the expansion of the humanitarian action both in Portugal and abroad. The contour of a hand in the background symbolises the different kinds of help given by the organisation to the people, mostly medical, but also and among others: cooperating, constructing and supporting. At the left side, in semi-circle, the inscription 'CRUZ VERMELHA PORTUGUESA'. At the top, the Coat of Arms and the name of the issuing country 'PORTUGAL' and at the bottom the years '1865' and '2015'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[204]
[151]  Italy Universal Exposition Expo 2015 in Milan 3,525,000 coins 29 April 2015 (proof)
22 July 2015 (rolls)
Description: The design depicts a composition symbolising the fertility of Earth: on a semicircle indicating the terrestrial sphere, a seed fed by the water waits to sprout; above the Earth, a vine, an olive twig and an ear grow from a tree trunk; around, the inscription 'NUTRIRE IL PIANETA'; on the left the initials of the designer Maria Grazia Urbani, 'MGU'; on the right, the monogram of Italian Republic 'RI' and 'R', identifying the Mint of Rome; in the middle, logo of the EXPO MILANO 2015. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[205]
[152]  Malta 100 years since the first flight from Malta 325,000 coins 25 May 2015
Description: The coin commemorates an important milestone in Maltese aviation history – the 100 years since the first flight from Malta. It was on 13 February 1915 that Captain Kilmer took off from the Grand Harbour on a seaplane that was carried by HMS Ark Royal. The plane landed in the harbour after a 55-minute flight. The coin depicts Captain Kilmer's seaplane with Senglea Point, a prominent feature in the Grand Harbour, in the background. At the top the inscription 'FIRST FLIGHT FROM MALTA' in semi-circle. At the right the years '1915–2015'. At the bottom left the inscription '100TH ANNIVERSARY' and at the bottom the initials of the designer 'NGB' (Noel Galea Bason).[206]
[153]  Luxembourg 15th anniversary of Grand Duke Henri accession to the throne 517,500 coins 8 June 2015
Description: The coin depicts Grand Duke Henri and the Grand Duchess. The year of accession '2000', the issuing country 'Luxembourg' and the year mark '2015' appear above them. Below them appears the inscription '15e anniversaire de l'accession au trône de S.A.R. le Grand-Duc' (15th anniversary of the accession to the throne of H.R.H. the Grand Duke). The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[207]
[154]  Malta Proclamation of the Republic of Malta in 1974
Fifth of the Maltese constitutional history series
435,000 coins 23 June 2015 (sets)
3 October 2015 (rolls)
Description: The coin is the last in a series of five commemorating Maltese constitutional milestones. Malta was declared a republic on 13 December 1974 following constitutional changes which were agreed upon by a great majority in Malta's Parliament. The design reproduces a marble tablet affixed to the façade of the Presidential Palace in Valletta to mark Malta's change from a monarchy to a republic. At the top right, in semi-circle, the inscription 'MALTA – Republic 1974'. At the bottom, the year '2015'.[208]
[155]  Italy 750 years since the birth of Dante Alighieri 3,515,000 coins 26 June 2015 (sets)
22 July 2015 (rolls)
Description: The design shows Dante with an open book in his left hand and the Purgatory mountain at the back: detail from the illustration of the Divine Comedy painted by Domenico di Michelino (1417–1491) in the Dome of S. Maria del Fiore in Florence; in the centre, the monogram of the Italian Republic "RI"; at the right the inscription "R", identifying the Mint of Rome; below the inscription "SP", initials of Silvia Petrassi and the dates "1265 2015", i.e. the year of the anniversary and that of the coin's issue respectively; arch shaped, the inscription "DANTE ALIGHIERI". The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[209]
[156]  Portugal 500 years since first Contact with Timor 520,000 coins 15 July 2015
Description:The design depicts a 16th-century ship, representing the arrival of the Portuguese navigators to the island, and a local house thatched roof top, including the typical wood sculptures, permanent memories of myths and legends. The one depicted on the coin represents the history of the first inhabitants, who arrived by boat from other parts of the Asian continent and the importance of the horse to travel around the steep mountains which cover most of the island. At the top right, the year '1515' and the name of the issuing country 'PORTUGAL'. At the bottom left, the inscription 'TIMOR' and the year '2015'. At the bottom, the signature of the artist Fernando Fonseca. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[210]
[157]  France 225. anniversary of Fête de la Fédération 4,020,000 coins 22 July 2015
Description: The French national holiday brings the people of France together in celebration of the Republic. The design shows Marianne, the symbol of the Republic, depicted in profile in a graphic, contemporary style. She is wearing the Phrygian cap. On the right the tricolour cockade appears in outline above the letters RF. The year is written in the centre of the coin. The left side features a stanza from the poem 'Liberté' by the French poet Paul Eluard, an allusion to the motto of the French Republic. The mint marks appear alongside this extract.[211]
[158]  Belgium European Year for Development 250,000 coins 17 September 2015
Description: The inner part of the coin depicts a hand holding a globe of the Earth with a plant in the foreground. The inscription '2015 EUROPEAN YEAR FOR DEVELOPMENT' features in an arc above the globe. The country code 'BE' appears beneath the hand while the signature mark of the Master of the Mint and the mark of the Brussels mint, a helmeted profile of the archangel Michael, are to its left.[212]
[159]  San Marino 25 years of German Unity 100,000 coins 29 September 2015
Description: The design shows the Brandenburg Gate which during the Cold War was located in East Berlin, in two representations which are intertwined like two hands, symbolizing the reunification of the two parts of Berlin. At the left the mint mark "R" and the initials of the artist "ES" (Erik Spiekermann). In circle around the design are the inscription "25° ANNIVERSARIO DELLA RIUNIFICAZIONE DELLA GERMANIA 1990–2015" (25th anniversary of the German reunification) and the country and year of issuance "San Marino MMXV".

The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[213]

[160]  Vatican City VIII World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 122,000 coins 6 October 2015
Description: The design depicts two families which ideally embrace the whole Earth. At the top, the year of issuance "2015". At the left side, the name of the artist "C. Principe". The mint mark R appears on the arm of one family member at the right. The design is surrounded by the inscription "VIII INCONTRO MONDIALE DELLE FAMIGLIE" (The VIII World Meeting of Families), from the left to the right in semi-circle and " CITTA' DEL VATICANO" at the bottom.[214]
[161]  Luxembourg 125th anniversary of the Nassau-Weilburg Dynasty 511,500 coins 15 October 2015
Description: On the left of the coin is the effigy of Grand Duke Henri, and on the right, in a circular arrangement, and in chronological order of their accession to the throne, the portraits of their Grand Dukes Adolphe and Guillaume IV, Grand Duchesses Marie-Adélaïde and Charlotte, and Grand Duke Jean. To the right, also in circular format, is the inscription '1890 – Dynastie Nassau-Weilbourg'. The name of the issuing country, 'Luxembourg', and the year, '2015', run vertically in the centre of the design.[215]
[162]  Finland 150 years since the birth of Akseli Gallen-Kallela 500,000 coins 22 October 2015
Description: On the top of the design there is a swimming swan of Tuonela. The water below the swan is waving from the descending spirit. The indication of the issuing country 'FI' is at the right end of the horizon line. At the bottom of the design there is the artist's palette with Gallen-Kallela's year of birth '1865' and the year of issuance '2015'. Next to the palette is the mint mark. The artist's name 'AKSELI GALLEN KALLELA' is on the ring of the coin, below the horizon line. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[216]
[163]  Slovakia 200 years since the birth of Ľudovít Štúr 1 million coins 23 October 2015
Description: The design depicts a portrait of Ľudovít Štúr. Inscribed to the right of the portrait, parallel to the edge of the inner part of the coin, are the year of issuance '2015' and, further right along the edge, the name of issuing country 'SLOVENSKO'. Inscribed to the left of the portrait, parallel to the inner edge, are the dates of Štúr's birth and death '1815–1856' and, further left along the edge, the name 'ĽUDOVÍT ŠTÚR'. In the upper right part of the design is the mint mark of the Kremnica Mint (Mincovňa Kremnica), consisting of the initials 'MK' placed between two dies. In the lower right part are the stylised letters 'IŘ', the initials of the designer, Ivan Řehák.[217]
[164]  Slovenia 2000th anniversary of the Founding of Emona 1 million coins 9 November 2015
Description: The central image of the coin is the composition of letters that form the word 'EMONA' or 'AEMONA' and a stylized design of Emona. At the bottom, in circular sense, the inscription 'EMONA LJUBLJANA SLOVENIJA 2015'. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.[218]
[165]  Monaco 800th anniversary of the Construction of the first Fortress on the Rock 1215 10,000 coins 14 November 2015
Description: The design shows a tower on the top of the rock. At the top the name of the issuing country 'MONACO' flanked by the Paris mint mark and the mint master mark. At the bottom, the inscription "FONDATION DE LA FORTERESSE" (Foundation of the fortress), flanked by the years '1215' and '2015'.[219]
[166]  Latvia Stork 1,020,000 coins 1 December 2015
Description: From mid-April to the end of August, Latvia's country landscape is dotted with nests of the white stork (Ciconia ciconia), and during this period people are used to listening to the sounds of bill clattering and to seeing these lanky-bodied birds in the vicinity of ponds and rivers. The black stork (Ciconia nigra), on the other hand, is a widespread yet uncommon bird, seen rarely in marshy areas or inland waters hidden in ancient forest tracts. Most of the white and black stork population nests in Europe. As their current species and habitat conservation status is inadequate, these species are distinguished by the European Parliament and Council Directive as requiring special protection measures to ensure their survival and breeding.[220]
[167]  Lithuania Lithuanian Language 1 million coins 14 December 2015
Description: The design shows the word "AČIŪ" (THANK YOU) – one of the most beautiful words in the Lithuanian language. An original Lithuanian font – created specially on the basis of the Latin font for the occasion of the centenary of the restoration of Lithuanian press – in order to match better the combinations of letters used most in the Lithuanian language, is used in the project. All the letters of the Lithuanian language are depicted on the background of the word "AČIŪ", laid out in a tag cloud.[221]
[168]  Greece 75 years since the death of Spyridon Louis 750,000 coins 15 December 2015
Description: The design shows Spyros Louis and the cup that he was awarded, against the background with the Panathenaic Stadium. Inscribed along the inner edge is the country of issuance "HELLENIC REPUBLIC" and "75 YEARS IN MEMORIAM OF SPYROS LOUIS" (in Greek). Above the cup appears the year of issuance "2015" and to the right a palmette (the mint mark of the Greek Mint). Visible at the bottom of the design is the monogram of the artist (George Stamatopoulos).[222]
[169]  Andorra 25 years of Customs Union with the EU 85,000 coins 18 July 2016
Description: The design shows at the top the map of Andorra with the coat of arms of the Principality highlighted inside it. At the bottom of the design, two opposing arrows interlaced, symbolizing the Customs Agreement between Andorra and the EU, show the years that are being commemorated "1990" and "2015" (the latter is also the year of issue of the coin) and the name of the issuing country "ANDORRA". Surrounding the map of Andorra appears the inscription "25è aniversari de la Signatura de l'Acord Duaner amb la Unió Europea" (25th anniversary of the Signature of the Customs Agreement with the European Union).[223]
[170]  Andorra 30 years since 18 became Legal Age 85,000 coins 18 July 2016
Description: The design shows a partial reproduction of a young person casting a vote. The ballot that the figure is holding reproduces the inscription "ANDORRA". To the left of the figure there are the years that are being commemorated "1985" and "2015" (the latter is the year of issue of the coin as well). A shorter inscription of the commemoration surrounds the whole design "30è ANIVERSARI MAJORIA D'EDAT ALS 18 ANYS" (30th anniversary Coming of Age at 18 years old).[224]

2015 commonly issued coin[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
 European Union The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 51,383,304 coins[225] 6 August – 23 December 2015
Description: To celebrate thirty years of the EU flag, euro-area Finance Ministers decided that euro-area Member States would strike a 2-euro commemorative coin using a common design on the national side. Euro-area citizens and residents have selected by public web-voting the winning design. Voters had a choice of five designs, which had been pre-selected by a professional jury following a design competition among European Mints, and they choose the design created by Mr Georgios Stamatopoulos, professional designer at the Bank of Greece. The designs shows the EU flag as a symbol that unites people and cultures with shared visions and ideals for a better common future. Twelve stars that morph into human figures are embracing the birth of a new Europe. At the bottom right are the initials of the designer (ΓΣ). The name(s) of the issuing country in the national language(s) and the indication 1985-2015 appear too. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
[171]  Finland The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 500.000 coins 6 August 2015
Inscription: SUOMI FINLAND 1985-2015
[172]  Slovakia The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 1 million coins 24 September 2015
Inscription: SLOVENSKO 1985-2015
[173]  Netherlands The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 1 million coins 13 October 2015
Inscription: NEDERLAND 1985-2015
[174]  Ireland The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 1 million coins 16 October 2015
Inscription: ÉIRE 1985-2015
[175]  Austria The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 2,500,000 coins 30 October 2015
Inscription: REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH 1985-2015
[176]  Latvia The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 1,010,000 coins 3 November 2015
Inscription: LATVIJA 1985-2015
[177]  Germany The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 30,125,000 coins 5 November 2015
Inscription: BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND 1985-2015
[178]  Italy The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 1,005,000 coins 9 November 2015
Inscription: REPUBLICA ITALIANA 1985-2015
[179]  France The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 4,020,000 coins 16 November 2015
Inscription: RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE 1985-2015
[180]  Lithuania The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 750,000 coins 17 November 2015
Inscription: LIETUVA 1985-2015
[181]  Belgium The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 412,500 coins 18 November 2015
Inscription: BELGIEBELGIQUEBELGIEN 1985-2015
[182]  Cyprus The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 350,000 coins 30 November 2015
Inscription: ΚΥΠΡΟΣ KIBRIS 1985-2015
[183]  Portugal The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 520,000 coins 30 November 2015
Inscription: PORTUGAL 1985-2015
[184]  Spain The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 4 million coins 1 December 2015
Inscription: ESPAÑA 1985-2015
[185]  Luxembourg The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 510,000 coins 3 December 2015
Inscription: LËTZEBUERG 1985-2015

As with the previous common commemorative coins, an obligatory latent image of Grand Duke Henri was added to the Luxembourgish edition. The portrait is located in the same space as the euro flag.

[186]  Slovenia The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 1 million coins 7 December 2015
Inscription: SLOVENIJA 1985-2015
[187]  Estonia The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 350,000 coins 10 December 2015
Inscription: EESTI 1985-2015
[188]  Malta The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 300,000 coins 18 December 2015
Inscription: MALTA 1985-2015
[189]  Greece The 30th anniversary of the EU flag 750,000 coins 23 December 2015
Inscription: ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ 1985-2015

2016 coinage[edit]

Image Country Feature Volume Date
[190]  Austria 200th anniversary of the founding of Austria's central bank Oesterreichische Nationalbank 16,060,000 coins 2 December 2015 (sets)
January 2016 (rolls)
Description: The design depicts a carved relief with two gods from Roman mythology standing before the entrance to the main building of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB): to the left, Mercury, the messenger of the gods and the god of merchants and commerce; to the right, Fortuna, the goddess of fate and prosperity, who is portrayed with a horn of plenty. The background detail, running from the left to the right edges of the core, shows the OeNB’s main premises. An ornamental band skirting the bottom of the coin centre evokes the red-white-red pattern of the Austrian national flag, with hatched vertical lines symbolising the colour red, as laid down in the rules of heraldic design. The years ‘1816’ and ‘2016’ to the left of Mercury refer to the OeNB’s founding year and its bicentennial. The inscriptions running along the edges of the gold-coloured centre read ‘Republik Österreich’ (Republic of Austria) and ‘200 Jahre Oesterreichische Nationalbank’ (200 years of Oesterreichische Nationalbank). The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.
[191]  Estonia 100 years since the birth of Paul Keres 500,000 coins 7 January 2016
Description: The coin features a portrait of the Estonian chess grandmaster Paul Keres with some chess pieces. In the upper left, in semicircle, is the inscription 'Paul Keres. "On the left side the name of the issuing country is, 'Eesti' and, underneath, the year of issue, '2016'."
[192]  Ireland 100 years since Easter Rising 4,500,000 coins 20 January 2016
Description: It shows a representation of the statue of Hibernia (the historic personification of Ireland) on top of the GPO with the centenary dates.
[193]  Spain Old city of Segovia and its aqueduct
Seventh of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series
4 million coins 5 February 2016
Description: The design depicts in the foreground the aqueduct of Segovia. At the top of the inner circle, and following the circular shape of the coin, is the name of the issuing country ‘ESPAÑA’; underneath it, the year of issuance ‘2016’. At the top right is the mint mark. The coin's outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
[194]  Germany Zwinger Palace in Dresden
Eleventh of the Bundesländer I series
30,663,000 coins 5 February 2016
Description: The design shows a view of the world-famous Zwinger Palace in Dresden, namely of the inner yard giving way to the Crown Gate. It includes the name ‘SACHSEN’ (Saxony) and the country code ‘D’ at the bottom, the mint mark of the respective mint (‘A’, ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘G’ or ‘J’) as well as the engraver’s mark (the initials ‘JT’ for Jordi Truxa) at the top right and the year ‘2016’ at the top left. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.
[195]  France XV European Football Championship 10,020,500 coins 5 February 2016
Description: The design of the coin features the Henri Delaunay Cup in the middle of an outline map of France, along with the two marks of the Paris Mint. The letters ‘RF’ for République Française (French Republic) are to the right of the map of France, and the name of the competition, ‘UEFA EURO 2016 France’, appears above it. Below the map, a football stands out in the foreground. All of this is set on a background that features graphical elements representing the competition. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.
[196]  Slovakia Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union 1 million coins 7 March 2016
Description: The design centres on the coat of arms of the Slovak Republic, shown against a background of dynamic centripetal lines representing the position and importance of the Slovak Republic during its presidency of the Council of the European Union. To the right of the coat of arms: the year ‘2016’. Around the edge of the inner circle: the country name ‘SLOVENSKO’ (Slovakia) and the inscription ‘PREDSEDNÍCTVO SR V RADE EÚ’ (Slovak Presidency of the EU Council), separated by graphical symbols. The mint mark of Kremnica Mint, composed of the letters ‘MK’ between two die, and the stylised initials of the designer of the national side, Vladimír Pavlica, ‘VP’, are in the lower part of the composition. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.
[197]  Belgium 2016 Summer OlympicsRio de Janeiro 375,000 coins 24 March 2016
Description: The coin depicts a stylized figure, the five Olympic rings and the inscription 'TEAM BELGIUM'.
[198] <