Austria
This shows the edelweiss, again as part of a floral series, symbolising a duty to the environment and the part Austria is playing in the development of a Community environmental policy. |
Belgium
Depicts King Albert II and a monogram – a capital 'A' underneath a crown – among 12 stars, symbolising Europe. The year of issue is part of the design, along with the year the coin was struck. |
Finland
Shows a heraldic lion which is a reproduction of a design by the sculptor Heikki Häiväoja. The heraldic lion in different designs has been used in several Finnish coins over the years, for example on the 1 markka coins between 1964 and 2001. |
France
This shows a young, feminine Marianne with determined features that embody the desire for a sound and lasting Europe. It was designed by Fabienne Courtiade, an engraver from the Paris Mint. |
Germany
The oak twig, reminiscent of that found on the current German pfennig coins provides the motif for these coins. It was designed by Professor Rolf Lederbogen. |
Greece
This coin depicts a corvette, a type of ship used during the Greek War of Independence (1821-27). |
Ireland
All Irish euro coins share single national design. They show the Celtic harp, a traditional symbol of Ireland, decorated with the year of issue and the word 'Eire' - the Irish word for Ireland. The harp shown was designed by Jarlath Hayes. |
Italy
This shows the Mole Antonelliana, a tower designed in 1863 by Alessandro Antonelli. |
Luxembourg
All coins in Luxembourg bear the profile of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke Henri. They bear the year of issue and the word 'Luxembourg' written in Luxembourgish ('Letzebuerg'). |
Monaco
The center of the coin bears the Grimaldi coat of arms. Around the perimeter of each coin the inscription MONACO is printed on the top, the year and the hallmark on the bottom, and twelve stars divided between the right and left sides |
Netherlands
Queen Beatrix is shown in profile and the words 'Beatrix Queen of The Netherlands' are written around the circumference of the coins. |
Portugal
At the centre is the first Royal Seal from 1134. |
San Marino
The Statue of Liberty, by Stefano Galletti. |
Spain
The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the monumental façade of the Obradoiro, a splendid example of Spanish baroque construction, started in 1667 by Jose del Toro and Domingo de Andrade. It was finished in the 18th century by Fernando Casas y Novoa. |
Vatican
As all the Vatican Euro coins, this shows a portrait of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, facing left. |
