The official abbreviation for the euro is 'EUR'. The parallel lines represent the stability of the euro. It was inspired by the Greek letter epsilon, in reference to the cradle of European civilisation and to the first letter of the word 'Europe'. The graphic symbol for the euro looks like an E with two clearly marked, horizontal parallel lines across it. The designer of the Euro coin common reverse designs is Luc Luycx of the Belgian Royal Mint. Final designs were agreed at the EuropeanĬouncil meeting in Amsterdam in June 1997. The 1 and 2 euro coins depict Europe without frontiers. The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins put emphasis on Europe's place in the world while the 10, 20 and 50 present the Union as a gathering of nations. The common European face of the coins represents a map of the European Union against a background of transverse lines to which are attached the stars of the European flag. Nine of these were then put forward for opinion poll testing before the selection of the eventually successful design. A total of 36 different design series were submitted and considered. The designs had to fit into one of three themes, architectural and ornamental, aims and ideals of the European union, or European personalities. For example, a French citizen can buy a hot dog in Berlin using a euro coin carrying the imprint of the King of Spain.Įach of the member states were invited to submit up to three series of designs for the common reverse designs. No matter which motif is on the coins they can be used anywhere inside the 12 Member States. On the obverse (head) side, each Member State decorates the coins with their own motifs. Within a few months, all previous national coins have been withdrawn.Įvery euro coin carries a common European face. They were being produced and stockpiled by the Central Banks of the Eurozone states since 1999, and entered circulation on January 1st 2002. These are 2 and 1 euros, then 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents, one of each totals 3.88 euro. There are 8 different euro coins denominations. * = The coins are all official original issues from the countries themselves, it is only our packaging which is unofficial.

20 euro cent coin images