New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

(2021/C 475/04)

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

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: Malta

Subject of commemoration: Heroes of the pandemic

Description of the design: The design is created by Maria Anna Frisone and depicts two medical professional bracing themselves up to face the unknown. It is meant to extoll the services of these selfless individuals who have been on the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. At the top, in semi-circle, is the inscription ‘HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC’. At the bottom, in semi-circle, is the inscription ‘MALTA – 2021’.

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

Number of coins to be issued: 72 500

Date of issue: June 2021

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(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).