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Members of the Euro started to issue circulating 2 Euro commemorative coins in 2004.   The coins have the same specifications as the regular 2 Euro and use the standard 2 Euro design on one side and the commemorative design on the other.  They are the only commemorative coins allowed to circulate within all the Euro member nations. Each country may issue a maximum of one national commemorative 2 Euro per year.  Some years there is an additional issue when all the Euro members issue a commemorative on the same theme with similar designs, such as the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the Euro. Most countries do not issue coins every year.  These bi-metallic coins have become a popular collectible as they are an interesting and affordable series with a wide variety of designs.

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2014 BELGIUM RED CROSS 2 EUROS COIN  

The 2014 Belgium 2 Euro commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Red Cross has one of the lowest mintages of any commemorative 2 Euro coin issued by a Euro member.  It has a mintage of only 287,500 pieces, a vast majority of which were packaged in coin cards by the Belgian mint.  The usual mintage for Belgian 2 Euro coins is 1,500,000.  Given wide popularity of the Red Cross organization and the coins very low mintage, the prices of the coins have soared.  The coin features a cross with the legend "Red Cross" in French and Flemish, with the numerial 150 at the center. Above the cross is the Brussels mint mark, which is the head of the archangel Gabriel with a cross on top, and a cat, the sign of the Director of the mint; Bernard Gillard. The coin card features a portrait of  Henry Dunant, the organization's founder.  We were able to obtain only a very limited number of these scarce coins in their official coin card.

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2015 BELGIUM EUROPEAN YEAR OF DEVELOPMENT 2 EUROS COIN 

Belgium released a 2015 dated 2 Euros commemorating the European Year of Development.  The coin features the organizations logo which depicts a hand holding a plant and the earth.  Only 250,000 pieces were issued, making it one of the rarest 2 Euros issued by a Euro member in 2015.  The coin comes in a special card issued by the Belgian mint.

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BELGIUM HONORS NATIONAL LOTTERY ON 2025 2 EURO

Belgium commemorated their national lottery on this 2025 dated 2 Euro coin. The state-run lottery runs a variety of games including EuroMillions, Lotto, Pick 3, scratch cards, and Keno.  A significant portion of the lottery's profits (the public's losses) go towards public welfare projects.  The coin features the Belgium National Lottery emblem which depicts the Roman goddess Fortuna holding a cornucopia and four leaf clovers.  Each coin is packaged in a coin-card that includes six unique lottery numbers.

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CROATIA 2024 2 EURO COIN HONORS NATIONAL POET

Croatia commemorated the 500th anniversary of the death of Marko Marulic with this 2024 2 Euro.  He wrote extensively in Renaissance Latin, Italian and Croatian.  He has been called the "Father of the Croatian Renaissance", "The Father of Croatian Literature" and was declared the National Poet of Croatia.  Much of his writings drew on both Biblical and Classical sources and many were sharply critical of the Catholic Church and its priests.  The coin depicts the bust of Marulic and comes in a coin card. It was struck at the Croatian mint and has a mintage of 200,000, most of which were packaged in coin cards.

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Estonia 2 Euro 2020 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Tartu.  Estonia had been a province of Imperial Russia since 1710.  The treaty between Russia and Estonia was signed on February 2, 1920. It recognized Estonia as an independent nation and ended the Estonian War of Independence. The coin has a mintage of 1,000,000.

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ESTONIAN 2025 2 EURO COMMEMORATES FIRST BOOK IN ESTONIAN

Estonia issued a 2025 dated 2 Euro commemorating the 500th anniversary of the first book printed in the Estonian language. The book, published in 1525 in Wittenburg, Germany featured Lutheran texts - but was immediately destroyed.  The design features four stylized books forming the letter "E".  The surrounding text translates as "Estonian written language 500  1525 - 2025"  The coin was minted at the Lithuanian Mint with a mintage of 850,000 pieces.

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Finland commemorated the 90th anniversary of the death of Finnish poet and journalist Eino Leino on their 2016 2 Euros coin.  He is beloved and widely read in Finland today.  The design depicts a figurative fire and flame, which were symbols in much of his writings.

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 Finland dedicated this 2021 2 Euro coin to "journalism and free press supporting the Finnish democracy".   The coin marks the 100th anniversary of Finland's Union of Journalists.  The design features "stylized male and female figures and the information networks surrounding them like a ribbon", though personally I don't see it.

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FINLAND 2023 2 EURO FOR SOCIAL & HEALTH SERVICES

Finland honored their Social and Health services on this 2023 2 Euro coin.  The coin features a stylized map of Finland (which looks like a labyrinth to me) and word for "well being" in both Finnish and Swedish.  Finland's Ministry of Social Affairs and Health sets policies.  Each county is responsible for providing the services. This includes health care, hospitals as well social services such as mental health, substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation, temporary housing and family counseling.  The coin has a maximum mintage of 400,000 pieces.

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FINLAND 2024 2 EURO CELEBRATES ELECTIONS

Finland's first 2024 2 Euro coin celebrates "Elections as a Foundation of Democracy."  The design features stylized ballots with the words "Elections  Democracy" in both Finnish and Swedish the country's two official languages.  The edge inscription reads SUOMI FINLAND (the name of the country in Finnish and Swedish) and includes three lion heads.  The coin has a mintage of only 400,000 pieces. 

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2024 FINLAND 2 EURO COMMEMORATES FINNISH ARCHITECTURE

Finland commemorated the distinctive works of the architectural firm Gesellius, Lindgren, Saarinen.  The firm was founded in 1896 by architects Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen.  Its designs in Art Nouveau style received wide acclaim at a time when Finland was still under Russian control. The company ceased operations in 1905.  The coin displays the outline of four of their famed works: the National Museum, Hvittrask, Tallberg House and the Finnish Pavilion at the Paris World Exhibition 1900, as well as the names of the three architects, the date and the Finland mintmark.   The coin has a mintage of only 400,000 pieces.

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France dedicated this 2017 2 Euros to celebrate 25 years of breast cancer awareness.  Breast cancer awareness is an effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. 

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France  paid tribute to medical researchers during the COVID pandemic with this 2020 2 Euro coin.  The coin depicts the face of a female researcher and DNA fragments.  The coin comes in a special "MERCI" blister pack and was not released into general circulation.  The Paris mint committed to donate €2 to Fondation de France for each coin sold. 

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 France commemorated the 75th anniversary of UNICEF on this 2021 2 Euro coin.  UNICEF was created in 1946 as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund to provide relief to children and mothers affected by World War II.  After that was no longer an immediate need, its mandate was extended to address the long-term needs of children, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfill their potential.  The design includes two children's hands assembling the earth in the form of a jigsaw puzzle and portions of the UNICEF logo.

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Germany commemorated the 70th Anniversary of the Bundesrat on this 2019 2 Euros.  The Bundesrat is the upper house of the German parliament. It is made up of delegates appointed by each of the 16 sixteen Länder (states) of Germany.  It meets in the former Prussian House of Lords in Berlin, which is pictured on the coin.

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Germany commemorated the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on this 2019 2 Euro coin.  The opening of the Berlin wall in November 1989 led to collapse of East Germany the reunification of the nation.  The design, created by a French engraver, represents joyous people and doves passing through an opening in the Berlin Wall.  In the background in the Brandenburg Gate. The "graffiti" on the wall reads "30 Jahre Mauerfall" (30 years fall of the Berlin Wall).  At the bottom right is a "D" for Deutschland (Germany) .  The coins were struck at all five German mints (A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg). The mintmark is at the bottom left of the design.  It is small and hard to see.

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Germany continued their annual series of 2 Euro coins honoring each of their Bundesländer (states) with this 2021 issue for Saxony-Anhalt (Sachsen-Anhalt).  The coin depicts the Magdeburg Cathedral.  The Cathedral is the oldest Gothic Cathedral in Germany.   Construction  was started in 1209 on the site of an abbey.  It was not completed until over 300 years later in 1520. The coins were struck at all five German mints (A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg). The mintmark is at the left of the cathedral.

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2023 GERMAN 2 EURO CELEBRATES CHARLEMAGNE

Germany celebrated the 1275th anniversary of the birth of Charlemagne with this circulating 2023 2 Euro coin. Charlemagne is known as Karl the Great in Germany.  He unified central and western Europe for the first time since the fall of the Roman Empire centuries earlier.  He was crowned King of the Franks, King of the Lombards and Emperor of the Romans, and started what became known as the Holy Roman Empire.  He ruled from his capital in Aachen, Germany.  The coin depicts Charlemagne's monogram over the octagon of Aachen Cathedral.  At the lower right is the "D" for Deutschland followed by the mintmark A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg).  At the bottom are the dates of his birth and death: "748-814". 

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GERMANY HONORS MECKLENBURG-WEST POMERANIA WITH 2 EURO

Germany honored the state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) on their 2024 2 Euro coin.  The coin depicts the iconic “Konigsstuhl” (King’s Chair) in the Jasmund National Park on the island of Rugen..  It is a 387-foot (118m) chalk cliff rising above the Baltic Sea.  A person standing on the beach gives an idea to the immense size of the cliffs.  To the left is the "D" for Deutschland.  Above the cliff is the mintmark (A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg).

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GERMANY COMMEMORATES ITS FIRST CONSTITUTION

This German 2024 2 Euro coin commemorates the 175th anniversary the St. Paul's Church Constitution (Paulskirchenverfassung), also known as the Frankfurt Constitution.   It was an attempt to create a unified German nation.  It included a charter of fundamental rights and a democratic government in the form of a constitutional monarchy.  The constitution failed due to the objections of Prussia and some of the smaller states.  The coin depicts the St. Paul's Church memorial (the original church was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1944).  Behind it is a quill and a paper representing the constitution.  In the background are female allegorical figures representing unity, justice and freedom and the tri-color German flag.  To the left of the church is the letter "D" for Deutschland (Germany). The mintmark is to the right of the church just below the quill.

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Greece commemorated the 75th anniversary of the death of  poet Kostis Palamas in 2018.  He wrote the words to the Olympic Hymn and was one of the founders of the New Athenian School (also known as Palamian School)

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Greece commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the birth of famed archeologist Manolis Andronicos on this 2019 dated 2 Euro coin.  Andronicos discovered what is believed to be the tomb of Phillip II, the father of Alexander the Great.  The coin portrays the archeologist and the year of his birth and death (1919 - 1992).

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Greece commemorated the 150th anniversary of the death of poet Andreas Kalvos on this 2019 2 Euros.  The coin features his portrait, though there is no known portrait of him.

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Greece marked the 100th anniversary of its reunification with Thrace after World War I with this 2020 2 Euros.  The coin features an ancient silver Drachm of Thrace depicting a griffin.

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2024 GREEK 2 EURO COINS

Greece released two circulating 2 Euro coins in 2024.  commemorates the 50th anniversary of the restoration of Democracy in Greece. In 1967 a group of colonels overthrew the Greek government shortly before scheduled elections.  The right-wing military junta, known as the Regime of the Colonels ruled until 1974. In July 1974 Greece sponsored an overthrow of the government of Cyprus.  In response Turkey invaded Cyprus and it appeared that a war with Turkey was imminent.  Senior military officers withdrew support of the junta and allowed parliamentary democracy to be restored in Greece. Cyprus however remains divided, with Turkey controlling Northern Cyprus. The coin depicts the Greek Parliament building. The other coin commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Greek Children’s author Penelope Delta.  Her historical novels have been widely read and have influenced popular modern Greek perceptions of national identity and history.  Her portrait is featured on the coin. Both coins have a maximum mintage of 750,000 pieces.

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Italy commemorated the 70th anniversary of their 1948 constitution which established the Italian Republic on this 2018 2 Euro coin.  The coin depicts the signing of the constitution.

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ITALY CELEBRATES NATIONAL POLICE FORCE ON 2022 2 EURO

Italy commemorated the 150th Anniversary of their national police force "Polizia di Stato" on this 2022 dated 2 Euro coin.  The force pre-dates the Italian nation, having been formed in 1852 by King Victor Emmanuel II in Sardinia.  With the unification of Italy in 1861 it became a national police force.  It 1981 it was merged with the many civil police services in Italy and made a civil rather than a military force. The coin depicts a female and male police officer in front of a police car.  Less than 15% of the force is made up of females. 

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ITALY COMMEMORATES ALESSANDRO MANZONI

Italy commemorated the 150th anniversary of the death of Italian poet, novelist and philosopher Alessandro Manzoni on this 2023 2 Euro coin.  Manzoni's contributed to the standardization of the modern Italian language.  The coin features a portrait of Manzoni derived from the 1967 100,000 Lire note, the dates 1873 - 2023 and the emblem of the Italian Republic.

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ITALY CELEBRATES 250th ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR GUARD OF FINANCE

Italy issued this 2024 2 Euro to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Guardia di Finanza (Guard of Finance).  It traces its origins to the Light Troop Legion set up by the King of Sardinia in 1774 to collect customs duties on the borders and military defense.  Today it is a militarized police force dealing with financial crime, smuggling, customs duties and illegal drug trade.  The force maintains over 600 boats and ships and more than 100 aircraft.  The coin depicts stylized elements from the organizations coat of arms including the Cimon della Pala mountain, a the head of a griffin and a chest of money as well as the Italian flag. 

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2024 ITALIAN 2 EURO HONORS NOBEL PRIZE WINNER RITA LEVI-MONTALCINI

Rita Levi-Montalcini was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1986 for her work in discovering nerve growth factor (NGF).  From 2001 until her death in 2012 at age 103 she served in the Italian Senate.  The 2024 2 Euro coin features her portrait.  In the background is a microscope mounted on a horseshoe created by her brother, Italian architect and designer Gino Levi-Montalcini, as a good luck charm for the Nobel Prize.

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ITALY 2025 2 EURO CELEBRATES JUBILEE YEAR

Italy commemorated the 2025 Jubilee Year or Holy Year with this circulating 2 Euro coin.  The coin depicts the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.  Around it are a series of fish, an early symbol of Christianity. The Holy door is normally sealed, and is opened only during a Jubilee Year. The origin of the Jubilee dates back to ancient Biblical times (Leviticus 25:8-53) which included the forgiveness of debts, freedom to all prisoners and slaves and the redemption of property.  In the Catholic Church the tradition dates to 1300 and focuses on the forgiveness of sins.  It usually takes place only once every 25 years and includes pilgrimages to sacred sites.

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LITHUANIA 2021 ZUVINTAS BIOSPHERE RESERVE 2 EURO

The Zuvintas Biosphere Reserve is a a UNESCO site that is the home of thousands of species of birds, animals and plants. New species are being discovered every year.   It is centered around Zuvintas Lake, a large, shallow lake that is only a small remnant of the former post-glacial lake.  The coin depicts a Bittern trying to eat a Fire-bellied toad.  A Water Reed Warbler clings to a reed.  In the distance a number of cranes are flying with a mute swan. 

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LITHUANIA 2 EURO COMMEMORATES BASKETBALL

Basketball is the most popular sport in Lithuania.  This 2022 dated 2 Euro commemorates the 100th Anniversary of basketball in Lithuania.  The design features a basketball court superimposed on a map of Lithuania and the dates 1922 – 2022.  Though basketball was first played by women in Lithuania in 1919, the first official game was played by men on April 23, 1922.  The sport gained widespread popularity after Lithuania won the European championship in 1937. 

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LITHUANIA SHOWS SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

Lithuania issued this 2023 2 Euro to show support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion. The coin features a sunflower, the emblematic plant of Ukraine. The petals of the flower are in the shape of human figures holding hands. The legend "Kartu su Ukraina" means "Together with Ukraine".  

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For their second 2020 issue Luxembourg released a pair of 2 Euro coins commemorating the birth of Prince Charles, the first child of heir to the throne Grand Duke Guillaume and his wife the Grand Duchess Stephanie. This makes the child second in line to the throne.  Two versions of the coin were issued, both depicting the royal couple holding their baby. The monogram of Grand Duke Henri appears to the left.   One version is in standard relief.  The other has a flat holographic/photographic relief.  The two versions make an interesting pair.

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LUXEMBOURG CELEBRATES ITS FLAG LAW

On June 23 1972 Luxembourg passed its Flag Law which officially defined that nations’ flag.  It was done in order to prevent another country from adopting the same flag.  The flag was first used in 1845, but was not officially adopted until 1993.   The red, white and blue striped flag is almost identical to the Netherlands flag but the red and blue stripes are slightly lighter and the flag is slightly longer.  This 2022 Luxembourg 2 Euro commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Flag Law.  The coin depicts Grand Prince Henri and the flag along with the dates 1972 and 2022.

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LUXEMBOURG ISSUES TWO 2024 2 EURO COINS

Luxembourg released two 2024 dated 2 Euro coins.  One commemorates the 175th anniversary of the death of William II (Guillaume II).  William was the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg and Duke of Limburg (Limburg became part of Netherlands in 1867). The coin depict William on a horse and the bust of the current Grand Duke Henri.  The other coin commemorates the 100th anniversary of the use of the Feierstepplert (steel worker) on coins of Luxembourg. It features a half-naked  worker puddling steel in front of a flaming open air hearth.  I doubt it would not meet current safety regulations. The design became emblematic for Luxembourg.  Steel is a major industry of Luxembourg and the country is the home of ArcelorMittal, the world’s second largest steel producer.  The design continued to be used on Luxembourg’s 1 Franc coins until 1965.  The 2024 2 Euro coin depicts the 1924 1 Franc coin and the cypher of Grand Duke Henri within the numeral 100. 

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MALTA 2021 TARXIEN TEMPLES 2 EURO

Malta continued their series of circulating 2 Euros honoring its Megalithic temples with this 2021 issue depicting the Tarxien Temples.  The Tarxien temples consist of three separate but attached structures that date from 3600 to 2500BC.  The temple was discovered in 1914 by farmers whose plow would strike its large stone blocks.  Excavation of the temple complex started soon thereafter.

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Portugal commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the 25 de Abril (25th of April) Bridge. The suspension bridge across the Tagus (Tejo) River connects the capital city of Lisbon to the municipality of Almada. The bridge was originally named after the dictator Salazar but had its name changed after the revolution of April 25, 1974. It has a mintage of 500,000 pieces.

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Portugal commemorated the 250th anniversary of their National Printing Office.  It was founded in 1768.  It is responsible for printing the official daily journal of all government acts as well as postage stamps, passports and banknotes. In 1972 it was merged with the national mint and is administered by the Ministry of Finance.  

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Portugal commemorated the 250th anniversary of the Ajuda Botanical Garden in Lisbon. The garden, created in 1768, was the first public garden in Lisbon.  Initially it was used to supply fresh fruit and vegetables to the royal palace.  Later it was designated to maintain, study and collect as many botanic species as possible. The coin has a mintage of 500,000 pieces

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PORTUGAL CELEBRATES 2023 WORLD YOUTH DAY WITH 2 EURO COIN

World Youth Day, a celebration that draws thousands of Catholic youth from around the world, was celebrated August 1 through 6 in Lisbon.  Pope Francis was in attendance.  The design of the coin features a cross encircled by individuals suggesting the shape of a globe which in turn is surrounded by a pair of hugging hands.


Also see:

2019 PANAMA WORLD YOUTH DAY COINS

VATICAN 2 EUROS 2013 RIO YOUTH DAY

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2024 SLOVAKIA 2 EURO COMMEMORATES THE KOSICE PEACE MARATHON

Slovakia commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Kosice Peace Marathon with this circulating 2024 dated 2 Euro coin.  It is the oldest marathon in Europe and has been run every year since 1941.  The flat, asphalted, course consists of two laps around the historic city center. The coin depicts a runner in front of St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral. It has a mintage of 1 million pieces.

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ICE HOCKEY ON 2025 SLOVAK REPUBLIC 2 EURO

An Ice Hockey player in motion is featured on this 2025 Slovakia 2 Euro.  The Tatra mountains are in the background.  The coin commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the first international sports tournament to be held in Slovakia. The 1925 Ice Hockey European Championship was supposed to be played in Prague, however an artificial ice rink planned for the event was not completed.  A sudden thaw in January made the planned ice rink and the backup site unusable. The games were finally played on a small mountain lake in the Tatra Mountains in what is now Slovakia.  Snow had to be cleared and benches dug into embankments. As a result, few people attended the matches, which were often interrupted to clear accumulating snow.  Czechoslovakia won the championship.  The design includes the MK mintmark of the Kremnica, Slovakia mint and the KL initials of the designer Karol Licko. 

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Slovenia commemorated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the University of Ljubljana on this 2019 2 Euros coin.  The university was founded in 1919, shortly after the end of World War I.  It serves approximately 40,000 students.  The coin features the university's emblem, which is a square.  To me it looks like the designer tried to fit a square peg in a round hole.
  

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Slovenia commemorated the 500th anniversary of the birth of Adam Bohoric.  He was a preacher, teacher and author and established the basic written foundations of the Slovene language.   The coin depicts multi-lingual slogans from the title page of Bohoric’s Latin-Slovenian grammar book, Arcticae horulae succisivae (Free Winter Hours), surrounded by the author's name, date of his birth, country name and issue date. The coin has a mintage of 990,500. 

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SLOVENIA COMMEMORATES MATHEMATICIAN JOSIP PLEMELJ

Slovenia commemorated the 150th anniversary of the birth of Josip Plemelj on this 2023 2 Euro coin.  Plemelj was a famed mathematician whose work is far beyond my comprehension.  In 1919 he was elected the first rector of the University of Ljubljana and was a professor of mathematics there from 1919 until his retirement in 1957.  The design on the coin features part of one of his equations with numbers and symbols that rotate in circles and illustrate the rotation of the planets, pulling together two areas of his work and research: mathematics and astronomy.  The standard map of Europe reverse is on the other side.

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SLOVENIA 2024 NATIONAL LIBRARY 2 EURO

Slovenia commemorated the 250th anniversary of their National and University Library in Ljubljana.  The library was founded in 1774 by Austrian Empress Maria Theresa from books from various monastic libraries and the Jesuit Library after the abolition of the Jesuit order in 1773. Its present facility was constructed between 1936 and 1941.  The design features a stylized image of part of the library. 

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SPANISH 2 EURO FEATURES GARAJONAY NATIONAL PARK

Spain honored its Garajonay  National Park on this 2022 circulating commemorative 2 Euro.  It is UNESCO heritage site on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands.  The 15 square mile (40 sq.km.) park is the home to numerous species of plants and animals.  The coin depicts a forest scene and the distinctive Roque de Agando peak.

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SPAIN HONORS HISTORIC CACERES ON 2 EURO

The old town of Caceres contains an exceptionally well-preserved blend of Roman, Moorish, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture, with no outward signs of modernity. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage City and is often included in television and movie productions. The 2023 Spanish 2 Euro features a panoramic view of the old town. 

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SPAIN 2024 2 EURO COMMEMORATES NATIONAL POLICE

Spain commemorated the 200th anniversary of their National Police on this 2024 2 Euro coin. The coin features the badge of the National Police Corps.  The National Police are mainly responsible for policing urban areas, criminal investigations and immigration.   The present organization was formed in 1986, however its predecessor organizations go back 200 years.

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VATICAN 2013 RIO WORLD YOUTH DAY 2 EUROS

The Vatican issued this 2013 dated bi-metallic 2 Euros coin to commemorate World Youth Day held in Rio de Janeiro in July 2013.   The week-long event brought over 3 million attendees from throughout the world.  The coin features youth gathered within the embrcing arms of Christ.  The reverse has the standard 2 Euros design. The coin comes in its official green holder and has a mintage of only 94,000. 

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ERASMUS 2 EURO COIN PROGRAM

In 2022 all members of the Euro were authorized to issue a commemorative 2 Euro coin commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Erasmus Program.  The program allows students to study at a university in another country and often provides them with a stipend to help offset their expenses.  More than 9 million people have participated in the program since its creation.  It is named after 16th century Dutch philosopher and theologian Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam.  All the coins have a similar design, the major difference being the placement of the name or initials of the issuing country.  The coins depict a portrait of Erasmus with the dates 1987-2022 and the name of the program in the language of the issuing nation.  In front of Erasmus are series of interlinking lines, representing the intellectual and human exchanges between the students.  Within the lines the figure "35" appears in raised areas.  We offer a set of all 16 of the Erasmus 2 Euros that were released into general circulation. The set includes coins from Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.  Belgium, Netherlands did not issued coins into circulation, they only sold them packaged for collectors at high prices.   The Malta issue is the most difficult to obtain.    Let me know if you would like one and I will quote availability and price..

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30th ANNVERSARY OF THE FLAG OF THE EUROPEAN UNION 2 EURO COINS:

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the flag of the European Union, Euro members are issueing circulating 2 Euros coins.  The coins all have a similar design, featuring a group of people gathered around the European Union flag.  The name of the issuing nation appears on each coin. The bi-metallic coins have the standard 2 Euro reverse which features a map of Europe.

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EUROPEAN UNION’S 10th ANNIVERSARY 2 EURO COIN SET

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Euro, each of the 16 Euro members issued commemorative bi-metallic 2 Euro coins.  The coins all have a similar design featuring a stick figure and a Euro symbol.  The name of the country appears above the figure, and the acronym EMU translated into the national language(s) and the dates 1999-2009 below. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring.  The reverse of the coins has map of Europe.  This 16 coin set includes coins from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.  Due to a law requiring that the Grand Duke’s portrait appears on all coins, the Luxembourg issue features a multi-viewing image, when the coin is tilted one way the Duke’s portrait appears, when tilted another the standard design appears.

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OTHER EURO COINS

AUSTRIA 2018 EASTER BUNNY 5 EURO

This 2018 5 Euro coin from Austria celebrates both Easter and the 300th anniversary of porcelain manufacturing in Vienna.  The coin features a porcelain Easter Bunny designed by Michael Powony around 1930 and produced by Vienna’s famous Augarten Porcelain Manufactory.  Porcelain manufacturing was established in Vienna in 1718 by Claudius Innocentius du Paquier, a Dutchman who stole the secret of how to make Porcelain from Meissen. The nine-sided copper coin is 28.5mm and has a mintage of 200,000 pieces.  The obverse features the arms of each of the nine Austrian federal states and the denomination. 

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AUSTRIA 2019 KNIGHTS' TALES 10 EURO COINS

Austria released the first two coins in a series of five series called "Knights' Tales" which feature knightly virtues.  The coins are 32mm copper 10 Euros.  The first coin titled "Chivalry" commemorates the 500th anniversary of the death of Holy Roman Emperor Maximillian I. The code of chivalry was a combination of the warrior ethos, piety, nobility and gallantry, which Maximillian embodied.  The obverse depicts Maximillian holding a lance and his coat-of-arms.  The reverse shows a knight on horseback in a jousting tournament.  The second coin titled "Adventure" depicts Godfrey of Bouillon holding a battle ax and his coat-of-arms which features the Jerusalem Cross.  Godfrey was one of the leaders of the First Crusade. He joined the crusader in 1095.  The Crusaders finally made it to Jerusalem in June 1099.  The following month they conquered the city and slaughtered its inhabitants. The reverse of the coin shows knighthood being conferred by a king to a kneeling squire.  Both coins are dated 2019 and have a mintage of 130,000 pieces in Uncirculated.

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FRANCE 2019 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP SOCCER COIN SET

 
France released a series of four non-circulating Quarter Euro coins in 2019 for the Women's World Cup Soccer championships held in Paris that year.  The obverse designs depict important game skills: dribbling, passing, trick plays and goal keeping.  The reverse of the coins features the trophy and flags of the winning nations and their title years.  The coins are 33.8mm in diameter and were struck in a gold colored copper-aluminum-nickel alloy at the Paris mint. The coins have a mintage of 250,000 each.

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GERMAN POLYMER RING 5 EURO COINS

Germany introduced an innovative new coinage technique with their polymer ring 5 Euro coins. The coins have copper-nickel outer ring and center separated by a colored polymer plastic ring.  The polymer ring is supposed to make the coins almost counterfeit proof.  Due to the difficulty and expense of minting these coins, thus far it has only been used on a few high value coins.  Germany introduced the technology on circulating 5 Euro coins featuring the earth's climate zones.   The coins did not circulate widely as most were quickly snapped up by the public and collectors due to their unique construction.   The subtropical climate zone is featured on the 2018 coin.  It depicts herd of goats under the shade of a tree and a barren landscape and has an orange polymer ring.  The 2019 issue features the temperate climate zone and depicts a rabbit sitting on farmland with forest in the background.  I doubt the farmer is happy about a rabbit eating his crops.  It has a green polymer ring.  The obverses include the German eagle, date mintmark, denomination and the 12 stars of the European Union. 

Item DE-5E-18ST GERMANY 5 EURO 2018-G SUBTROPICAL ZONE  UNC. $12.50

Item DE-5E-19TM GERMANY 5 EURO 2018-F TEMPERATE ZONE UNC. $12.50

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2023 SLOVENIA BI-METALLIC 3 EURO

Slovenia released two 2023 dated bi-metallic 3 Euro coins.  One commemorates Slovenian Day of Sports which took place September 23. The obverse features two stylized oars.  The lines of the oars connect to the reverse which represents a target used in three position rifle competitions.
The other coin other marks the 110th Anniversary of the birth of Slovenian writer Boris Pahor.  The text featured on the coin is taken from his story The Old Lighthouse. The letters fade towards the right of the coins, turning into birds flying away, which symbolize freedom while also illustrating the message that Pahor's books sent across the world through their numerous translations.  The birds continue to fly onto the obverse of the coin.   Both coins are 32mm and have a mintage of 60,000 pieces each.

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EURO COIN SETS

Euro member nations started striking Euro coins in 1999, in preparation for the complete replacement of all their coins in circulation when Euro coins and notes officially enetered circulation January 1, 2002.  Some nations dated their coins the year they were struck, starting in 1999.  Others dated the coins the year they were released, 2002.  Originally twelve nations were members of the Euro.  Since then additional additional nations have joined, so there are now 19 Euro members.  In addition some smaller nations that are not members of the Euro have been given premission to issue limit numbers of Euro coins.  This includes Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City. Unless otherwise indicated, each set contains the eight standard Euro coins:  the copper-plated steel 1, 2 and 5 euro cents, the "Nordic gold" (aluminum-bronze) 10, 20 and 50 euro cents,  and the bi-metallic 1 and 2 Euros.  All the Euro coins have the same standard reverses.  The 1, 2 and 5 euro cent coins depict the globe featuring Europe.  The other denominations feature maps of the European Union or maps showing the original members of European Union. The coins are Uncirculated.  Unless otherwise noted, the coins are not packaged and coins may be of various years.

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ANDORRA’S FIRST OFFICIAL EURO COINS

Though the tiny nation of Andorra is tucked away between two Euro issuing nations, Spain and France, it did not issue its own official Euro coins until December 2014. We are pleased to offer these first official Euro coins of Andorra issued in 2014..  The 5 Eurocents depicts a Pyrenean Chamois and a Golden Eagle.  The 10, 20 and 50 Eurocents depict the Church of Santa Coloma.  The Romanesque Church dates from the 10th century or earlier.  The distinctive circular bell tower was added in the 12th century.  The 1 Euro depicts the Casa de la Vall (“House of the Valleys") which was the home of the General Council of Andorra.  It was originally built as a family manor house in 1580.  The Arms of Andorra is on the 2 Euros.  The standard Euro designs are on the reverses of all the coins. The 1 and 2 Eurocent were issued only in packaged sets.

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AUSTRIAN EURO COIN SET 

Austria was one of the original 12 Euro members. Each denomination has a unique design, grouped into three different themes.  The 1, 2 and 5 euro cent features Austrian flowers.   The 1 euro cent depicts an Alpine gentian, the 2 euro cent has an Alpine edelweiss, and an Alpine primrose is on the 5 euro cent.  The trhee middle denominations depict famous buildings in Vienna.  St. Stephens Cathedral is on the 10 euro cent, the Belvedere Palace is on the 20 euro cent and the Secession Hall is on the 50 euro cent.  Famous Austrians are on the top denominations.  Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, along with his signature is on the 1 Euro coin.  Austrian pacifist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Bertha von Suttner is on the 2 Euros.

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BELGIAN EURO COIN SET

Belgium was one of the original 12 Euro members.  All denominations bear a portrait of the King.  This mixed date set features the portrait of King Albert II, who ruled until 2013. We have not yet been able to obtain complete sets of the Euro coins of King Philippe.

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CROATIA'S CONTROVERSIAL NEW 2023 EURO COINS

Croatia switched their currency to the Euro on January 1, 2023.  The designs of the new coins created controversy.  The bi-metallic 2 Euro features a map of Croatia.  The bi-metallic 1 Euro depicts a Marten.  Marten pelts, called a kuna, were used for money in medieval Croatia.  The original design for the 1 Euro coin used a photograph of a marten without permission.  Serbia objected to Nikola Tesla appearing on the 10, 20 and 50 Eurocent coins, claiming Tesla was Serbian.  Tesla was born in what is now Croatia to ethnic Serbian parents at a time when both were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.  The 5, 2 and 1 Eurocent have the letters "HR" in Glagolitic scrip.  HR is the abbreviation of the country in Croatian (Republika Hrvatska).  Glagolitic is the oldest known Slavic alphabet, dating back to the 9th Century. All the coins incorporate the checkboard Croatian arms into the design.  All eight coins have the standard map of Europe designs on the reverses.

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CYPRIOT EURO COIN SET  

The Euro coins reflect that nations long history and culture.  The Mouflon, a native wild sheep, is on the 1, 2 and 5 eurocents, an ancient sailing ship on their 10, 20 and 50 eurocent and the ancient Idol of Pomos, a prehistoric fertility sculpture dating from about 3000BC on their bimetallic 1 and 2 Euro coins. The coins have the name of the island in both Greek and Turkish.

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ESTONIAN EURO COIN SET  

On January 1, 2011, Estonia issued its first Euro coins. All eight standard Euro coins feature a map of Estonia on one side, and the standard Euro designs featuring maps of Europe on the other.  

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FINNISH EURO COIN SET

Finland was one of the original 12 Euro members.  The 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 euro cents portray the heraldic lion from the Coat of Arms of Finland.  The 1 Euro depicts two Whooper swans in flight.  The Whooper swan is the national bird of Finland.  The 2 Euro features the fruit and leaves of the Cloudberry.

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 FRENCH 2021 EURO COIN SET

France was one of the original 12 Euro members.  France used three designs on their Euro coins.  The 1, 2 and 5 euro cents depict the head of Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic.  The 10, 20 and 50 euro cents feature The Sower (La Semeuse), which was previously used on the French Franc coins.  The design by Oscar Roty was first appeared on French coins in 1897.  The 1 and 2 Euro coins feature a stylized tree and the motto "Liberté Egalité Fraternité".  The 1 Euro has low mintages and is generally not issued for circulation making them difficult obtain and make complete sets.

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GERMAN EURO COIN SET

Germany was one of the original 12 Euro members.  The 1, 2 and 5 euro cents depict an oak twig, a design adopted from the former Pfennig coins. The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin appears on the 10, 20 and 50 euro cents.  A stylized German eagle appears on the 1 and 2 Euro coins.  The 2 Euro has a lettered edge with the German national motto  "EINIGKEIT UND RECHT UND FREIHEIT" (Unity and Justice and Freedom).

Also See:
GERMAN COINS and CURRENCY page:  includes coins and notes of the German Empire, Weimar Republic (including hyper-inflation issues), Nazi Germany and East Germany

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GREEK EURO COIN SET

Greece was one of the original 12 Euro members.  Each coin has its own design that reflects Greek culture and heritage.   The 1, 2 and 5 euro cents feature Greek ships:  an ancient Athenian trireme from the 5th century BC is on the 1 eurocent, a 19th century corvette is on the 2 euro cent, and a modern tanker is on the 5 eurocent.  The middle denominations feature famous Greeks.  Rigas Feraios, a revolutionary and writer is on the 10 euro cent. Ioannis Kapodistrias, the founder of the modern Greek state and its first head of state is on the 20 euro cent.  The 50 euro cent has the portrait of  Eleftherios Venizelos, who served multiple terms as Prime Minister in the early 20th century and did much to modernize his country.  The 1 Euro features an Athenian tetradrachm from the 4th century BC.   The 2 Euro depicts The abduction of Europa by Zeus in the form of a bull.

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IRISH EURO COIN SET 

Ireland was one of the original 12 Euro members.  All 8 coins depict an Irish harp.

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ITALIAN EURO COIN SET  

Italy was one of the original 12 Euro members.  Each of the coins depict a different aspect of Italian culture or history.   The 1 euro cent shows the  Castel del Monte in Andria.  The 2 euro cent depicts the top of the Mole Antonelliana in Turin.  The 5 euro cent pictures the Colosseum in Rome.  The 10 euro cent has the head of  Venus from Botticelli's famous painting The Birth of Venus.  The futurist sculpture Unique Forms of Continuity in Space by Umberto Boccioni is on the 20 euro cent.  The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius is on the 50 euro cent.  The statue dates from about 175AD.  Leonardo da Vinci's famous Vitruvian Man drawing is on the 1 Euro.  The 2 Euro depicts the Portrait of Dante Alighieri by Raphael.
Also see:
ATTRACTIVE COINS OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC

SILVER COINS OF THE KINGDOM OF ITALY:

FAMOUS ITALIANS ON BEAUTIFUL BANKNOTES

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LATVIAN 2014 EURO COIN SET  

On January 1, 2014 Latvia became the 18th Euro member to issue coins.  The 8 coin set dated 2014 includes the 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Euro cent and the bi-metallic 1 and 2 Euro coins.  The obverse designs were all based on previous Latvia coins.  The bi-metallic 1 and 2 Euros featured Milda, the Latvian maiden who appeared on the silver 5 Lati issued from 1929 to 1932. She became a symbol of Latvian independence during the Soviet occupation of Latvia.  The edge of the 2 Euro has the inscription  "DIEVS SVĒTĪ LATVIJU" (God bless Latvia), which appeared on the edge of the silver 5 Lati.  The brass 10, 20 and 50 Eurocent feature the Greater Latvian coat-of-arms, which was used on the silver 1 and 2 Lati issued in the 1920's as well as the 1 and 2 Lati coins issued from 1991 to 2013.  The copper-plated steel 1, 2 and 5 Eurocents depict the Lesser Latvian coat-of-arms which was used on the minor coins of Latvia after it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

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LITHUANIAN EURO COIN SET 

Lithuania officially converts to the Euro as their currency on January 1, 2015.   Their 8 coin set includes the 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Euro cent and the bi-metallic 1 and 2 Euro coins.  All eight coins feature Vytis, the white knight, which is the national symbol of Lithuania and has appeared on the coins of Lithuania for hundreds of years. 

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LUXEMBOURGISH EURO COIN SET 

Luxembourg was one of the original 12 Euro members.  The eight coins utilize three different designs, all depicting Grand Duke Henri.

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MALTESE EURO COIN SET

In January 2008 Malta, released its first official Euro coins into circulation.  Malta chose to place the Neolithic Mnajdra temple altar on their 1, 2 and 5 eurocents, the  coat of arms of Malta on their 10, 20 and 50 eurocents and a Maltese Cross on their bi-metallic 1 and 2 Euro coins.   

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DUTCH (NETHERLANDS) EURO COIN SETS 


Netherlands was one of the original 12 Euro members.  The coins all depict the monarch.  Until 2013 the coins featured two different designs depicting the head of Queen Beatrix.  With the accession to the throne of King Willem-Alexander, the his head has appeared on Dutch coinage starting in 2014.

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PORTUGUESE EURO COIN SET 

Portugal was one of the original 12 Euro members.  Portugal used three different designs on their Euro coins, each featuring old royal seals within a circle of seven castles and five escutcheons (shields) taken from the Portuguese flag and coat of arms.  The 1, 2 and 5 euro cents depict the royal seal of 1134.   The 10, 20 and 50 euro cents depict the royal arms of 1142.  The 1 and 2 Euro depct the 1 and 2 Ruro depict the royal arms of 1144.

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SCARCE SAN MARINO EURO COINS

The tiny nation of San Marino is not a member of the Euro, but because of a treaty with Italy it is allowed to issue a very limited number of Euro coins.  This unpackaged set features seven of regular issue Euro coins of San Marino (no 10 euro cent). The bi-metallic 2 Euro depicts the Palazzo Pubblico which is the seat of government.  The bi-metallic 1 euro has the arms of San Marino.  The 50 Euro cent features the three hilltop towers on Monte Titano that are on the nation's coat-of-arms.  The 20 Euro cent pictures St. Marinus, the Christian Roman stonecutter who founded San Marino in 301AD in order to escape the persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian.   The Guaita Tower is featured on the 5 Euro cent.  It is the oldest of the three towers, having been constructed in the 11th century. The 2 Euro Cent pictures national hero Stefano Gallietti.  The 14th century Montale tower, the smallest of the three towers, is on the 1 Euro cent.  The standard Euro designs are on the reverses.  The 1, 2 & 5 Euro cents are dated 2006, the 20 and 50 Euro cents are 2008, the 1 Euro 2009 and the 2 Euros 2011.  The coins are Uncirculated from original mint rolls.

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SLOVAKIAN EURO COIN SET   

On January 1, 2009, The Slovak Republic, also known as Slovakia, officially adopted the Euro. Like the other Euro coins, it utilizes the standard Euro design on one side and its own designs on the other.   The bi-metallic 1 and 2 Euro coins show the Slovak arms, which feature a double cross or Patriarchal cross, on a stylized three-peaked mountain. The double cross is a symbol of Christian religion that dates back to the Byzantine Empire whose missionaries brought Christianity to the region.  The hills represent the three symbolic Slovak mountain ranges: Tatra, Fatra, Matra (though last one is actually in Hungary). The 10, 20 and 50 Eurocent picture the famed Bratislava Castle.  The 1, 2 and 5 Eurocent pictures Krivan, a peak in the Tatra mountains that has long symbolized the Slovak nation.  The peak is accessible to hikers and provides magnificent views. 


Also see:
PRE-EURO COINS OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

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SLOVENIAN EURO COIN SET 

In 2007 Slovenia, once the northernmost part of Yugoslavia, became the first of the former east European nations to adopt the Euro as their currency.  It replaced the Slovenian Tolar.  Because of the expansion of European Union the common side of the Euro coins have been redesigned to show the expanded European Union.  The Slovenian Euro coins are the first to use the new design.  The national side of the coins highlight Slovenian history culture.  The bi-metallic 2 Euro coin features national poet France Prešeren and the first line of the Slovenian national anthem which was written by him.  The bi-metallic 1 Euro pictures Primož Trubar, a 16th century Protestant reformer, superintendent of the Protestant Church of Slovenia and the author of the first book printed in Slovenian.  Mount Triglav, Slovenia's highest mountain and the constellation of cancer is featured on the 50 euro cent coin.   Two Lipizzaner horses are on the 20 euro cent coin. The 10 euro cent coin features the "Katedrala Svobode" (Cathedral of Freedom), a national parliament building that has never been built!  A man sowing stars and seeds is featured on the 5 euro cent coin.  The design is based on Ivan Grohar painting  "The Sower".  The 2 euro cent shows the Prince's Stone.  The stone was the base of an ancient Roman column. It was used to install the medieval prince's of Karatania.  A stork is on the 1 euro cent. Every coin has 12 stars around edge interspersed with letters spelling “SLOVENIJA”. The coins are the first of what will be a major expansion of the Euro coin series.

Item SI-EUSET SLOVENIA 8 COIN EURO SET, 2007-09 KM68-75 UNC. $15.00

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SPANISH EURO COIN SET  

Spain was on of the first 12 Euro members.  The 1, 2 and 5 euro cents depict The Obradoiro facade of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.   The 10, 20 and 50 euro cents picture writer Miguel de Cervantes.  Until 2015 the 1 and 2 Euros portrayed King Juan Carlos I.  Starting in 2015 the new king, Felipe VI, is pictured on the 1 and 2 Euros.

Item ES-EUSET-00 SPAIN 8 COIN EURO SET 2000 KM1040-47 UNC. OUT

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Email: orders@joelscoins.com

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