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: The Eiffel Tower

Description of the design: For the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Monnaie de Paris celebrates the road to the games through Paris as well as its own heritage. 100 years after the 1924 Games, the French capital is once again hosting the Summer Games. This is an event with international resonance, gradually building in intensity in the years leading up to the event, culminating in 2024 with the issue of two commemorative two-euro coins dedicated to the Olympic Games.

The design represents an expression of France through iconic buildings; the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica situated in Marseille are united there. In the background, a tiare flower represents the island of Tahiti where the surfing competitions will take place. The Eiffel Tower is in motion, she carries the values of sport. Its arms are represented by 73 rivets signifying the host communities. For the first time, the Olympic and Paralympic symbols are brought together, to celebrate the Games for all. The year date, the indication of the issuing country ‘RF’ as well as the mintmarks are inserted on the athletics track.

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

Estimated number of coins to be issued: 24 000 000

Date of issue: May 2024

(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).