2 euro commemorative coins

€2 commemorative coins are special euro coins minted and issued by member states of the eurozone since 2004 as legal tender in all eurozone member states. A country can issue one such coin per six months. The coins typically commemorate the anniversaries of historical events or draw attention to current events of special importance. As of 2012, a hundred and twenty-six variations of €2 commemorative coins have been minted – six in 2004, eight in 2005, seven in 2006, twenty in 2007 (including the thirteen versions of the common issue), ten in 2008, twenty-five in 2009 (including the sixteen versions of the common issue), twelve in 2010, sixteen in 2011 and twenty-two in 2012 (including the seventeen versions of the common issue). At least five more issues are planned for 2012. The €2 commemorative coins have become collectibles, but are different from commemorative coins with a face value higher than €2, which are officially designated as "collector coins" and usually made of precious metals.

Only the country sides of the coins may be changed; the common side may not. In 2007, 2009 and 2012, all countries released common commemorative coins, though Cyprus, Estonia and Ireland have not released any independently. Luxembourg and Finland are the only countries to have released commemorative coins every year. The number of commemorative coins is limited to one per country per year and to 5 percent of the total output. Limits on the designs are also in place to ensure uniformity.

Regulations and restrictions

The basis for the commemorative coins is derived from a decision of the European Council, which allowed changing the national obverse sides of euro coins from 1 January 2004 onwards. However, a number of recommendations and restrictions still apply.

Two restrictions concern the design. Euro coins must still have a common reverse side, so only the national obverse sides may be changed. Also, the standard national obverse sides per se should not be changed before 2008 at the earliest, unless the head of state depicted on some of the coins changes before then. (This clause already came into effect for Monaco and the Vatican City, whose heads of state—Rainier III and Pope John Paul II respectively—died in 2005 and whose national obverse sides were changed for 2006.)

Further regulations restrict the frequency and number of commemorative coin issues. Each member state shall only issue one commemorative coin per year, and it shall only be denominated as a €2 coin. The total number of such coins put into circulation per year should not surpass the higher of the following two numbers:

• 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.

Another decision added two more guidelines regarding the design of the coins. The state issuing a coin should in some way clearly be identified on the obverse side, either by stating the full name or a clearly identifiable abbreviation of it; and neither name nor the denomination of the coin should be repeated on the obverse, as it is already featured on the common reverse side.

These restrictions do not apply retroactively; only new designs—the national obverse sides for regular issues of states newly joining the euro or of eurozone states which change their design, and €2 commemorative coins issued from 2006 onwards—are subject to them. However, the five countries whose designs violated the first update to the rules (Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany and Greece) initially were assumed to have to change their design in the near future, which Finland did for 2007 and Belgium for 2008.

Another decision changed the rules again:

• The twelve stars of the European Union surrounding the coin designs need to surround all of the coin design elements, including year marks, mint marks and the name of the country. The stars have to appear in the same way as they are aligned on the flag of the European Union. (These recommendations are not currently fulfilled by the Dutch, Italian and Luxembourgish coins.)
• The design of euro coins may not be changed except for two specific circumstances:
  • If a coin design is in violation of the recommendations, it may be updated to bring it into line with them. (This applies to Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.)
  • If a coin design depicts a head of state, it may be updated:

1. every fifteen years to bring it into line with the head of state's current appearance;
2. if the head of state abdicates or dies. However, temporary heads of state may not be used as a reason for changing the design; instead a €2 commemorative coin (potentially a second €2 commemorative coin) will be allowed to be issued.

• The edge lettering of commemorative coins has to be the same as the one on the regular coins.

(These provisions forced Belgium to change its design back to show the original portrait of its monarch, because the 2008 update to follow the recommendations also updated the portrait, which was against the rules. The Belgian coins from 2009 onwards show the original royal portrait of 1999, but otherwise keep the new 2008 coin design as far as the country identification and year mark are concerned. These provisions additionally prohibit further sede vacante sets of coins by the Vatican City, allowing only commemorative coins for such occasions.) Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain were the states which were in breach of these new guidelines. Spain updated their design from 2010 onwards to meet the new rules, leaving Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Slovakia in breach of them. The recommendation will be reviewed in 2015.

Issues

As of January 2011, seventeen countries have independently issued €2 commemorative coins (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the Vatican City), with Greece being the first country to issue this type of coin. Three eurozone countries have not yet independently issued such coins (Cyprus, Estonia and Ireland); there have also been three common €2 commemorative coin issued by all eurozone member states:

• Treaty of Rome in 2007.
• Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union in 2009.
• Euro Coins and Banknotes in 2012.

  has issued €2 commemorative coins

  has not yet independently issued €2 commemorative coins

  not part of the eurozone

Country	Issues	2004	2005	2006	2007		2008	2009		2010	2011	2012		2013
					reg.	ToR		reg.	euro			reg.	TYE
Austria	4		Y			Y			Y				Y
Belgium	10		Y	Y		Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	S/S
Cyprus	2								Y				Y
Estonia	1												Y
Finland	12	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
France	7					Y	Y		Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	S/S
Germany	10			Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	S/S
Greece	6	Y				Y			Y	Y	Y		Y
Ireland	3					Y			Y				Y
Italy	11	Y	Y	Y		Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Luxembourg	12	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	S
Malta	4								Y		Y	Y	Y	S
Monaco	3				Y						Y	Y
Netherlands	4					Y			Y		Y		Y
Portugal	9				Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	S
San Marino	9	Y	Y	Y	Y		Y	Y		Y	Y	Y
Slovakia	4							Y	Y		Y		Y	S
Slovenia	6					Y	Y		Y	Y	Y		Y	S
Spain	7		Y			Y			Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	S
Vatican City	9	Y	Y	Y	Y		Y	Y		Y	Y	Y		S
Total	133	6	8	7	7	13	10	9	16	12	16	12	17	0(13)
Y – yes   was not yet part of the eurozone   no   S – scheduled

Issued designs are made public in the Official Journal of the European Union (references to these publications are given in the tables below).

2004 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	Greece	Summer Olympics in Athens 2004	35 million coins	14 March 2004
	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.
	Finland	Fifth Enlargement of the European Union in 2004	1 million coins	FDI: 1 June 2004 FDC: 1 July 2004
	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.
	Luxembourg	Effigy and Monogram of Grand Duke Henri	2.49 million coins	23 June 2004
	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.
	Italy	Fifth Decade of the World Food Programme	16 million coins	15 December 2004
	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.
	San Marino	Bartolomeo Borghesi	110,000 coins	15 December 2004
	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).
	Vatican City	75th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Vatican City State	100,000 coins	15 December 2004
	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.

2005 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	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	2.8 million coins	15 January 2005
	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.
	Belgium	Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union	6 million coins	FDI: 1 March 2005 FDC: 1 April 2005
	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.
	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
	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.
	Austria	50th Anniversary of the Austrian State Treaty	7 million coins	11 May 2005
	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.
	San Marino	World Year of Physics 2005	130,000 coins	14 October 2005
	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.
	Finland	60th Anniversary of the Establishment of the United Nations and 50th Anniversary of Finland's UN Membership	2 million coins	25 October 2005
	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.
	Italy	1st Anniversary of the Signing of the European Constitution	18 million coins	29 October 2005
	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.
	Vatican City	20th World Youth Day, held in Cologne in August 2005	100,000 coins	6 December 2005
	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.

2006 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
Image @ German Wikipedia	Italy	Winter Olympics in Turin 2006	40 million coins	FDI: 10 January 2006 FDC: 10 February 2006
	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.
	Luxembourg	25th Birthday of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume	1.1 million coins	11 January 2006
	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.
	Germany	Holstentor in Lübeck (Schleswig-Holstein) First of the Bundesländer series	30 million coins	3 February 2006
	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.
Image @ German Wikipedia	Belgium	Renovation of the Atomium in Brussels	5 million coins	10 April 2006
	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.
Finland 2006; see adjacent text	Finland	1st Centenary of the Introduction of Universal and Equal Suffrage	2.5 million coins	4 October 2006
	'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 Ms 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. 10. 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.
	San Marino	500th Anniversary of the Death of Christopher Columbus	120,000 coins	17 October 2006
	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.
Image @ German Wikipedia	Vatican City	500th Anniversary of the Swiss Guard	100,000 coins	9 November 2006
	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.

2007 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	Germany	Schwerin Castle (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) Second of the Bundesländer series	30 million coins	2 February 2007
	Description: The centre part of the coin shows a representation of Schwerin Castle. The inscription [MECKLENBURG–VORPOMMERN] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help) 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.
	Luxembourg	Grand Ducal Palace	1.1 million coins	2 February 2007
	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.
	Vatican City	80th Birthday of Pope Benedict XVI	100,000 coins	FDI: 16 April 2007 FDC: 1 October 2007
	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.
	Portugal	Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union	2 million coins	FDI: 1 June 2007 FDC: 1 July 2007
	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.
	Monaco	25th Anniversary of the Death of Grace Kelly	20,001 coins	1 July 2007
	Description: On the inner part of the coin there is an effigy of Grace Kelly in profile, facing to the right. 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.
	San Marino	200th Birthday of Giuseppe Garibaldi	130,000 coins	9 October 2007
	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.
	Finland	90th Anniversary of Finland's Independence	2 million coins	1 December 2007
	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.

2007 commonly issued coin

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
Eurozone ToR 2007; see adjacent text	European Union	50th Anniversary of the Signature of the Treaty of Rome	87.453 million coins	25 March 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.)
Image	Country		Volume
	Austria		9 million coins
	Inscription: VERTRAG VON ROM 50 JAHRE, EUROPA, REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH
	Belgium		5 million coins
	Inscription: PACTVM ROMANVM QVINQVAGENARIVM, $\scriptstyle {\it {EUROP}}_{E}^{A}$, BELGIQUE–BELGIE–BELGIEN
Finland ToR 2007; see adjacent text	Finland		1.4 million coins
	Inscription: ROOMAN SOPIMUS 50 V, EUROOPPA, SUOMI FINLAND
	France		9.4 million coins
	Inscription: TRAITÉ DE ROME 50 ANS, EUROPE, RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
	Germany		30 million coins
	Inscription: RÖMISCHE VERTRÄGE 50 JAHRE, EUROPA, BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND
	Greece		4 million coins
	Inscription: ΣΥΝΘΗΚΗ ΤΗΣ ΡΩΜΗΣ 50 XPONIA, EYPΩΠΗ, ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ
	Ireland		4.82 million coins
	Inscription: CONRADH NA RÓIMHE 50 BLIAIN, AN EORAIP, ÉIRE
	Italy		5 million coins
	Inscription: TRATTATI DI ROMA 50° ANNIVERSARIO, EUROPA, REPUBBLICA ITALIANA
	Luxembourg		2.1 million coins
	Inscription: TRAITÉ DE ROME 50 ANS, EUROPE, LËTZEBUERG
	Netherlands		6.333 million coins
	Inscription: VERDRAG VAN ROME 50 JAAR, EUROPA, KONINKRIJK DER NEDERLANDEN
	Portugal		2 million coins
	Inscription: TRATADO DE ROMA 50 ANOS, EUROPA, PORTUGAL
	Slovenia		400,000 coins
	Inscription: RIMSKA POGODBA 50 LET, EVROPA, SLOVENIJA
	Spain		8 million coins
	Inscription: TRATADO DE ROMA 50 AÑOS, EUROPA, ESPAÑA
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. 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 Beatrix Koningin 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 use 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

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	Germany	St. Michaelis Church (Hamburg) Third of the Bundesländer series	30 million coins	1 February 2008
	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.
	Luxembourg	Berg Castle	1.3 million coins	2 February 2008
	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.
	Italy	60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights	5 million coins	April 2008
	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.
	San Marino	European Year of Intercultural Dialogue	130,000 coins	April 2008
	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.
	Belgium	60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights	5 million coins	April/May 2008
	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.
	Slovenia	500th Birthday of Primož Trubar	1 million coins	May 2008
	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.
	France	French Presidency of the Council of the European Union	20 million coins	July 2008
	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.
	Portugal	60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights	1,025,000 coins	15 September 2008
	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.
	Vatican City	2008 – Year of Saint Paul the Apostle	100,000 coins	5 September 2008
	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.
Finland 2008; see adjacent text	Finland	60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights	1.5 million coins	October 2008
	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.

2009 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	Luxembourg	90th Anniversary of Grand Duchess Charlotte's Accession to the Throne	800,000 coins	1 January 2009
	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.
	Germany	Ludwigskirche in Saarbrücken (Saarland) Fourth of the Bundesländer series	30 million coins	2 February 2009
	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.
	San Marino	European Year of Creativity and Innovation	130,000 coins	May 2009
	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.
	Portugal	2009 Lusophony Games	1.25 million coins	9 June 2009
	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).
	Belgium	200th Birthday of Louis Braille	5 million coins	25 September 2009
	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.
	Italy	200th Birthday of Louis Braille	2 million coins	15 October 2009
	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.
	Slovakia	20th Anniversary of the Start of the Velvet Revolution	1 million coins	November 2009
	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.
	Vatican City	International Year of Astronomy	106,084	October 2009
	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.
	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.

2009 commonly issued coin

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	European Union	Ten years of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the birth of the euro.	84.085 million coins	1 January 2009
	Description: 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 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.
Image	Country		Volume
	Austria		5 million coins
	Inscription: REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH, WWU (Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion)
	Belgium		5 million coins
	Inscription: BELGIE–BELGIQUE–BELGIEN, EMU (Economic and Monetary Union)
	Cyprus		1 million coins
	Inscription: KYΠPOΣ KIBRIS, ONE (Οικονομική και Νομισματική Ένωση)
	Finland		1.4 million coins
	Inscription: SUOMI FINLAND, 2009, EMU
	Coin edge inscription: TALOUS – JA RAHALIITTO EMU
	France		10 million coins
	Inscription: RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE, UEM (l'Union économique et monétaire)
	Germany		30 million coins
	Inscription: BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND, WWU (Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion)
	Greece		4 million coins
	Inscription: ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ, ONE (Οικονομική και Νομισματική Ένωση)
	Ireland		5 million coins
	Inscription: éıʀe, AEA (Aontas Eacnamaíochta Airgeadaíochta)
	Italy		2.5 million coins
	Inscription: REPUBBLICA ITALIANA, UEM (l'unione economica e monetaria)
	Luxembourg		872,000 coins
	Inscription: LËTZEBUERG, UEM (l'Union économique et monétaire). 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.
	Malta		700,000 coins
	Inscription: MALTA, UEM (Unjoni Ekonomika u Monetarja)
	Netherlands		5.3 million coins
	Inscription: Nederland, EMU (economische en monetaire unie)
	Portugal		1.285 million coins
	Inscription: PORTUGAL, UEM (União Económica e Monetária)
	Slovakia		2.5 million coins
	Inscription: SLOVENSKO, HMÚ (Hospodárska a menová únia)
	Slovenia		1 million coins
	Inscription: SLOVENIJA, EMU (Ekonomska in monetarna unija)
	Spain		8 million coins
	Inscription: ESPAÑA, UEM (Unión Económica y Monetaria)
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. The winner was George Stamatopoulos, a sculptor from the Bank of Greece Mint.

2010 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	Luxembourg	Arms of the Grand Duke	500,000 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.
	Germany	City Hall and Roland (Bremen) Fifth of the Bundesländer 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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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 cleverly 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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
Finland 2010; see adjacent text	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.
	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.

2011 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	Slovakia	20th Anniversary of Foundation of the Visegrád Group	1 million coins	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. 2. 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.
Netherlands 2011; see adjacent text	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.
	Germany	Cologne Cathedral (North-Rhine Westphalia) Sixth of the Bundesländer 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
	Luxembourg	50th Anniversary of the Appointment of Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg by his mother Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg as lieutenant-représentant	700,000 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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	France	30th Anniversary of Fête de la Musique	10 million 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.
	Greece	2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens from 25 June to 4 July 2011	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.
	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.
	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.
Portugal 2011; see adjacent text	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.
	Finland	200th Anniversary of the Bank of Finland (Suomen Pankki)	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.
	Malta	First election of representatives in 1849 First of the 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.
	Vatican City	26th World Youth Day in August 2011	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.

2012 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	Luxembourg	100 years since the Death of William IV, Grand Duke of Luxembourg	700,000 coins	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.
	Germany	Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen (Bavaria) Seventh of the Bundesländer series	30 million coins	3 February 2012
	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 and name of the issuing country appear between the stars on the outer ring. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.
	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.
	Italy	100 Years since the Death of Giovanni Pascoli	15 million coins	May/June 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.
	San Marino	10th Anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes	130,000 coins	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 inscription 2002–2012 appears at the bottom. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin. 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.
	Belgium	75th Anniversary of the Queen Elisabeth Music Competition	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.
	Portugal	Guimarães, European Capital of Culture 2012	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.
	Monaco	500th anniversary of the foundation of Monaco's Sovereignty	110,000 coins	1 July 2012
	Description:The 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.
	France	100th Birthday of Abbé Pierre	1 million coins	July 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.
	Malta	1887 Majority Representation Second of the constitutional history series	455,000 coins	September 2012
	Description:The inner part of the coin depicts eight men in front of the Maltese Parliament, in Valleta. On the upper part of the coin the legend MALTA – Majority Representation 1987 is inscripted.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.
	Vatican City	7th World Meeting of Families	115,000 coins	October 2012
	Description:
	Finland	150 Years Helene Schjerfbeck	1.5 million coins	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.

2012 commonly issued coin

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	European Union	10th Anniversary of Euro coins and banknotes	99.558 million coins	2 January – March 2012
	Description: 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 of the issuing country in the national language(s) appears at the top (with the exception for Belgium, where it states "BE"), while the years 2002–2012 appear at the bottom. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring of the coin.
Image	Country		Volume	Date
	Austria		11.3 million coins	2 January
	Inscription: REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH
	Belgium		5.013 million	30 January 2012
	Inscription: BE
	Cyprus		1 million coins	13 February 2012
	Inscription: ΚΥΠΡΟΣ KIBRIS
Estonia 2euro 2012	Estonia		2 million coins	2 January 2012
	Inscription: EESTI
Finland 2euro 2012	Finland		1.5 million coins	2 January 2012
	Inscription: SUOMI FINLAND
	France		10 million coins	7 January 2012
	Inscription: RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
	Germany		30 million coins	2 January 2012
	Inscription: BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND
	Greece		1 million coins	2 January 2012
	Inscription: ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ
	Ireland		3 million coins	3 January 2012
	Inscription: ÉIRE
	Italy		15 million coins	21 March 2012
	Inscription: REPUBBLICA ITALIANA
	Luxembourg		525,000 coins	9 February 2012
	Inscription: LËTZEBUERG
	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.
	Malta		500,000	31 March 2012
	Inscription: MALTA
	Netherlands		3.5 million coins	10 February 2012
	Inscription: NEDERLAND
	Portugal		520,000 coins	24 February 2012
	Inscription: PORTUGAL
	Slovakia		1 million coins	2 January 2012
	Inscription: SLOVENSKO
	Slovenia		1 million coins	3 January 2012
	Inscription: SLOVENIJA
	Spain		8 milion coins	2 January 2012
	Inscription: ESPAÑA
The final design of the coin was chosen by electronic voting. The winner was Helmut Andexlinger, a professional designer from the Austrian Mint.

1st part of 2013 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	Germany	50 Years of Franco-German Friendship (Treaty of Élysée)	30 million coins	22 January 2013
	Description: TBA
	France	50 Years of Franco-German Friendship (Treaty of Élysée)	TBA	22 January 2013
	Description: TBA
	Germany	Maulbronn Abbey in Baden-Württemberg. Eighth of the Bundesländer series	30 million coins	1 February 2013
	Description:
	Spain	Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Madrid. Fourth of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series	8 million coins	February 2013
	Description:
	Slovenia	800 Years since the Discovery of Postojna's Cave	1 million coins	May 2013
	Description:
	Slovakia	1150 years from the Byzantine Advent of St. Cyrillus and Methodius in Great Moravia.	1 million coins	May 2013
	Description:
	Belgium	100 Years of Royal Meteorological Institute"	5 million coins	September/October 2013
	Description: TBA
	Belgium	100 Years of Tour of Flanders	5 million coins	Summer 2013
	Description:TBA
	Malta	Establishment of Self-Government in 1921	450,000 coins	October/November 2013
	Description:
	Portugal	Clerigos Tower	520,000	TBA
	Luxembourg	Solemn Changing of Guard	700,000	TBA
	Description: TBA

2nd part of 2013 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	Belgium	100 Years of Royal Meteorological Institute	5 million coins	September/October 2013
	Description: TBA

2014 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	Germany	St. Andrew's Church in Hildesheim, Lower Saxony. Ninth of the Bundesländer series	30 million coins	January/February 2014
	Description:
	Spain	Works of Antoni Gaudí. Fifth of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series	8 million coins	February 2014
	Description:
	Slovakia	10 years of Slovakian membership in European Union.	1 million coins	April 2014
	Description:
	Malta	Independence from Britain in 1964	400,000 coins	October/November 2014
	Description:

2015 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	Germany	Paulskirche in Frankfurt am Main. Tenth of the Bundesländer series	30 million coins	January/February 2015
	Description:
	Spain	Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain. Sixth of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series	8 million coins	February 2015
	Description:
	Italy	2015 Expo		2015
	Description:
	Malta	Proclamation of the Republic of Malta in 1974	400,000 coins	October/November 2015
	Description:

2016 coinage

Image	Country	Feature	Volume	Date
	Germany	Zwinger Palace in Dresden. Eleventh of the Bundesländer series	30 million coins	January/February 2016
	Description:
	Spain	Old city of Segovia and its aqueduct. Seventh of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series	8 million coins	February 2016
	Description:
	Slovakia	Slovakian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.	1 million coins	June 2016
	Description:

German Bundesländer series

Germany started the commemorative coin series Die 16 Bundesländer der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (The 16 States of the Federal Republic of Germany) in 2006, which will continue until 2021. The year in which the coin for a specific state is issued coincides with that state's Presidency of the Bundesrat. The coins issued are:

Year	Number	State	Design
2006	1	Schleswig-Holstein	Holstentor in Lübeck
2007	2	Mecklenburg-Vorpommern	Schwerin Castle
2008	3	Hamburg	St. Michaelis Church
2009	4	Saarland	Ludwigskirche in Saarbrücken
2010	5	Bremen	City Hall and Roland
2011	6	North Rhine-Westphalia	Cologne Cathedral
2012	7	Bavaria	Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen

The other nine coins will be issued in the following years; note that some designs are not yet finalised and still subject to change. Originally, the designs for the following states were different:

• Hamburg: Landungsbrücken
• Bremen: City Hall only
• Bavaria: Munich Frauenkirche
• Lower Saxony: Hanover New City Hall, then St. Michael's Church in Hildesheim
• Hesse: Römer in Frankfurt am Main
• Berlin: Reichstag

Year	Number	State	Design
2013	8	Baden-Württemberg	Maulbronn Abbey
2014	9	Lower Saxony	St. Andrew's Church in Hildesheim
2015	10	Hesse	Paulskirche in Frankfurt am Main
2016	11	Saxony	Zwinger Palace in Dresden
2017	12	Rhineland-Palatinate	Porta Nigra in Trier
2018	13	Berlin	Charlottenburg Palace
2019	14	Saxony-Anhalt	Cathedral of Magdeburg
2020	15	Thuringia	Wartburg Castle in Eisenach
2021	16	Brandenburg	Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam

The series is similar to the United States' 50 State Quarters series, which saw fifty coins issued for its fifty constituent states, five per year between 1999 and 2008. A separate program saw six coins issued in 2009 for the District of Columbia and five territories of the United States.

Luxembourgish Grand-Ducal Dynasty

Year	Number	Dukes Depicted	Design
2004	1	Grand Duke Henri	The effigy Grand Duke Henri and his monogramm.
2005	2	Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duke Adolphe	The effigies of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duke Adolphe
2006	3	Grand Duke Henri and Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg	The effigies of Grand Duke Henri and Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg
2009	4	Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Charlotte	The effigies of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Charlotte
2011	5	Grand Duke Henri, Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg and Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg	The effigies of Grand Duke Henri, Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg and Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg
2012	6	Grand Duke Henri and William IV, Grand Duke of Luxembourg	The effigies of Grand Duke Henri, William IV, Grand Duke of Luxembourg and the outline of Luxembourg.

Maltese constitutional history series

Malta started a series of five €2 commemorative coins, all related to the Maltese constitutional history. The first coin was released in 2011 and the last coin will be minted in 2015. It is likely that the 4th coin, which will be released in 2014, will commemorate 50th anniversary of Malta's constitution.

The two issued coins are:

Year	Number	Design
2011	1	First Election of Representatives in 1849
2012	2	1887 Majority Representation

The three coins to be issued in the following years are:

Year	Number	Design
2013	3	Establishment of Self-Government in 1921
2014	4	Independence from Britain in 1964
2015	5	Proclamation of the Republic of Malta in 1974

Spanish UNESCO World Heritage Sites series

Spain started the commemorative coin series Patrimonio de la Humanidad de la UNESCO (UNESCO World Heritage) in 2010, commemorating all of Spain's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which could continue until 2050. The order in which the coin for a specific site is issued coincides with the order in which they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The coins issued are:

Year	Number	Design
2010	1	Historic Centre of Córdoba
2011	2	Patio de los Leones of the Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
2012	3	Burgos Cathedral

The coins planned to be issued in the coming years are:

Year	Number	Design
2013	4	Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Madrid
2014	5	Works of Antoni Gaudí
2015	6	Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain

References

• European Central Bank (19 July 2006). "€2 commemorative coins". Archived from the original on 16 December 2006. Retrieved 19 July 2006.
• European Commission (10 July 2006). "The €uro: Our Currency – Commemorative coins". Retrieved 19 July 2006.
• "The Euro Information Website". 7 April 2007. Retrieved 7 April 2007.
• "euroHOBBY Website". 10 October 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2010.