{"id":17577,"date":"2021-08-25T16:44:08","date_gmt":"2021-08-25T14:44:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.2euros.org\/non-classifiee\/conditions-of-issue-of-commemorative-2-euro-coins\/"},"modified":"2024-07-31T09:35:39","modified_gmt":"2024-07-31T07:35:39","slug":"conditions-of-issue-of-commemorative-2-euro-coins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.2euros.org\/en\/numismatics\/conditions-of-issue-of-commemorative-2-euro-coins\/","title":{"rendered":"Conditions of issue of commemorative 2 euro coins"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n

Before being minted, a commemorative 2 euro coin goes through a complex process. Indeed, no country in the eurozone can issue a coin without preparation. In addition, the issuance of a commemorative 2 euro coin strictly complies with European regulations. This article examines the conditions for issuing a 2 euro coin as well as the rules allowing a country to issue it.<\/p>\n\n

First of all, only 2 euro coins can be commemorative, which is prohibited for other euro coins in current circulation (1ct, 2ct, 5ct, 10ct, 20ct, 50ct and 1 euro).<\/p>\n\n

What are the mandatory characteristics of a commemorative 2 euro coin?<\/h2>\n\n

It is important to know that a commemorative 2 euro coin must comply with strict characteristics defined by the European Council. Furthermore, like a classic 2 euro coin, it must meet the following technical specifications:<\/p>\n\n

Diameter<\/strong><\/td>25.75 mm<\/td><\/tr>
Thickness<\/strong><\/td>2.2 mm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>8.5 grams<\/td><\/tr>
Color<\/strong><\/td>white outer ring, yellow central part<\/td><\/tr>
Edge<\/strong><\/td>Fine groove engraving<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

The coin will also have to meet other criteria<\/h2>\n\n

It must not include elements of the European side on the national side, for example, neither the map of Europe nor the “2”. (art. 3 of Council Regulation No 566\/2021 of 18\/06\/2012<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n

Each national side must clearly indicate the identity of the issuing country (name or abbreviation) and the year of issue. (art.4 and article 1 sexies 1. of Council Regulation No 566\/2021 of 18\/06\/2012<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n

The national side must have twelve stars. (art.6 and article 1 sexies 1. of Council Regulation No 566\/2021 of 18\/06\/2012<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n

The edge must be identical to that of the national coin. (Article 1 nonies 2. of Council Regulation No 566\/2021 of 18\/06\/2012<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n

As of 2009, the name “EURO” must not appear on national sides, unless it is written in a different alphabet. (Article 3-1 of Commission Recommendation L9\/52<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n

What theme could give rise to the issue of a commemorative 2 euro coin?<\/h2>\n\n

The coin should theoretically commemorate an event of major national or European importance.<\/p>\n\n

Article 8 of Council Regulation No 566\/2012 of 18 June 2012 states:<\/span><\/p>\n\n

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It is appropriate to allow a Member State to issue commemorative coins which are to be used for commemorations of major national or European importance<\/strong>, while commemorative coins issued collectively by all Member States whose currency is the euro should be reserved for commemorations of the highest importance at European level. The \u20ac2 coin is the most suitable coin for that purpose, in particular because of its large diameter and its technical characteristics, which provide adequate protection against counterfeiting.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

How many different commemorative 2 euro coins can a state issue each year?<\/h2>\n\n

Since 2012, a Member State may only produce two commemorative \u20ac2 coins per year, except in the following cases:<\/p>\n\n