New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

(2021/C 93/04)

National side of the new commemorative 2-euro coin intended for circulation and issued by France

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 issuing of euro coins are allowed to issue commemorative euro coins intended for circulation, provided that certain conditions are met, particularly that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the same technical characteristics as other 2-euro coins, but their national face features a commemorative design that is highly symbolic in national or European terms.

Issuing country: France

Subject of commemoration: UNICEF

Description of the design: The design shows an allegory of the work of ‘UNICEF’ where the hands are a key element. One after the other they support the globe and are the link between the different areas of the Earth. The mention of the 75th anniversary as well as the laurels crown the ensemble accompanied by the acronym RF. On the upper rim, the name ‘UNICEF’ is inserted along with the relevant dates as well as the UNICEF motto ‘For each child’.

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

Estimated number of coins to be issued: 7 500 000

Date of issue: March 2021

(1)  See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for the national faces 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).