New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

(2022/C 484/08)

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

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: Greece

Subject of commemoration: 200 years from the first Greek Constitution

Description of the design: The design features the temple of Asclepius at Epidaurus with the statue of the god at centre. The theme replicates the reverse of a commemorative medal on the First National Assembly held by the revolted Greeks at Epidaurus, which was awarded to the Assembly members during the reign of king Otho. Inscribed along the inner edge is the wording ‘HELLENIC REPUBLIC’ and ‘THE FIRST GREEK CONSTITUTION’, as well as the years ‘1822’ and ‘2022’, a palmette (the mintmark of the Greek mint) and the monogram of the artist (George Stamatopoulos).

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

Estimated number of coins to be issued: 750 000

Date of issue: July 2022

(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).