The euro coin series comprises eight different denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, €1 and €2. The euro coins have a common side and a national side. The national side indicates the issuing country.
You can use any euro coin anywhere in the euro area.
Euro area countries (interactive map)
The common sides of the coins were designed by Mr Luc Luycx of the Royal Belgian Mint. They show images of the European Union or of Europe and symbolise the unity of the EU. See common sides
The national sides show country-specific designs, surrounded by the 12 stars of the European Union. See national sides
If you have a €2 coin with an unusual national side, it may be a commemorative coin. more
Unlike banknotes, euro coins are still a national competence and not the ECB's. If a euro area country intends to issue coins bearing new motifs – such as on a commemorative coin – it has to inform the European Commission. The Commission will then publish the information in the multilingual Official Journal of the EU (C series). It is the authoritative source upon which the ECB bases its website updates on euro coins.
Questions on euro coins may be addressed to:
European Commission
Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs
Unit R-4 External communication, BU-1 4/168
B-1049 Brussels, Belgium
Too many coins and banknotes in circulation could lead to inflation, which is precisely what the ECB aims to control by maintaining price stability. Therefore, the ECB is responsible for approving the volume of coins that euro countries may issue. In the case of banknotes, the ECB both approves the volume and issues the notes. more
