New national side of euro coins intended for circulation
(2021/C 470/07)
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: Olympic Games Paris 2024
Description of the design: Since 1896, date of their ‘creation’ by Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin, the Olympic Games of the modern era have been an unprecedented human gathering that has never ceased except during world conflicts. After passing through Brazil and Japan in the last two editions, the Summer Olympics are returning to Europe and this event with strong international resonance takes over the city of Paris a century after the games of 1924.
On the occasion of the countdown to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, Monnaie de Paris wishes to celebrate the road to the games through a mix of Paris and the French numismatic heritage. The intensity thus gradually rises during the years preceding the event.
The design represents Marianne, national figure and icon of French numismatics, running in an ‘old’ way in reference to the Olympic Games of the Ancient Era. Its silhouette blends with the Eiffel Tower, a key element of Parisian heritage, to form a common axis with the Iron Lady. In the background, an athletics track in which the emblem of Paris 2024 is inserted on the left side, is depicted. The year date, the mention RF and the mintmarks are inserted under the arch of the tower.
The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 510 000
Date of issue: End of September 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).