New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

(2017/C 329/08)

Euro coins intended for circulation have legal tender status throughout the euro area. For the purpose of informing the public and all parties who handle the coins, the Commission publishes a description of the designs of all new coins (1). In accordance with the Council conclusions of 10 February 2009 (2), euro-area Member States and countries that have concluded a monetary agreement with the European Union providing for the issuance of euro coins are authorised to issue commemorative euro coins intended for circulation, provided that certain conditions are met, one of these being that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the same technical characteristics as other 2-euro coins, but their national side features a commemorative design that is highly symbolic in national or European terms.

Issuing country : The Republic of San Marino

Subject of commemoration : International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

Description of the design : The design shows in the center Planet Earth surrounded by waves; to the right a circle with the letter A, symbol of the designer Andrew Lewis. Arched, above the writing “TURISMO SOSTENIBILE”, below “SAN MARINO” and the year “2017”; to the right the initials of the engraver Uliana Pernazza “UP INC.”; to the left the letter “R” of the Italian Mint which took care of the mintage.

The United Nations General Assembly approved the adoption of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The idea of sustainable Tourism indicates a kind of travelling that respects the planet, it doesn’t alter the natural, social and artistic environment and it doesn’t inhibit the growth of social and economic activities. It is a kind of tourism opposite to mass tourism and it tends to promote the weakest economies. The Republic of San Marino dedicated a 2 euro commemorative coin, designed by the Canadian artist Andrew Lewis to this theme, in order to promote a new mentality and to encourage tourists’ respect for environment.

The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Number of coins to be issued :

Date of issue : September 2017

(1)  See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for the national sides of all the coins issued in 2002.

(2)  See the conclusions of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 February 2009 and the Commission Recommendation of 19 December 2008 on common guidelines for the national sides and the issuance of euro coins intended for circulation (OJ L 9, 14.1.2009, p. 52).