Europa Coins
Encyclopedia
Legal tender
Legal tender is a medium of payment allowed by law or recognized by a legal system to be valid for meeting a financial obligation. Paper currency is a common form of legal tender in many countries....
coins in precious metals to celebrate European identity
Pan-European identity
Pan-European identity refers to the sense of personal identification with Europe. The most concrete examples of pan-europeanism are the European Union and the older Council of Europe...
. The issuing authorities of EU member countries voluntarily contribute coins to the Europa Coin Programme. Multiple countries have participated in the programme, beginning in 2004. Some coins are denominated in euro
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
, others are denominated in other currencies. Europa coins are legal tender.
Eurostar logo
The Eurostar logo is the special mark used on coins to indicate participation in the Europa Coin Programme. It is a stylised combination of an "E" for Europe (or the euro symbol), and a star (often used to symbolize a nation, eg. on the EU flag).Coins must show the Eurostar distinctly and visibly to the naked eye, but not be integral to the coin's design.
Coin features
- Coins must be at least 900 fine silver and of proof quality.
- Coins should be approximately "crown sized" -this allows for national traditions and customs.
- Coins must show the Eurostar logo (pictured above) distinctly, and visible to the naked eye, but not be integral to the coin's design.
History
- 2004 - EU enlargement
- 2005 - Peace & freedom
- 2006 - Distinguished European figures
- 2007 - European Realisation
- 2008 - Cultural heritage
- 2009 - European Heritage
- 2010 - European Architecture
- 2011 - European Explorers