New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

(2021/C 466/03)

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

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: Andorra

Subject of commemoration: Our Lady of Meritxell

Description of the design: The foreground of the design depicts the reproduction of the Romanesque carving of Our Lady of Meritxell (patron saint of the Principality of Andorra), which dates back from the 11th and 12th centuries. The background of the design shows a partial reproduction of the basilica sanctuary where it is located, a graphic element symbolizing a flower, the name of the issuing country ‘ANDORRA’ and the years ‘1921-2021’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Estimated number of coins to be issued: 73 750

Date of issue: Last quarter of 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).