New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

2011/C 91/03

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 Community 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: The organisation of Special Olympics World Games — Athens 2011

Description of the design: The centre of the coin shows the emblem of the Games, a radiant sun, the source of life that underlines the excellence and power of the athlete that takes part in the Games. Excellence is depicted in the olive branch and power in the spiral form in the centre of the sun. Around the image is written the sign ‘XIII Special Olympics W.S.G. Athens 2011’ as well as the issuing country ‘Ελληνικη Δημοκρατια’. The mintmark is also depicted in between.

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

Volume of issuance: 1 million coins

Date of issue: End of the second trimester 2011

(1)  For the other national sides of euro circulation coins, see http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/euro/cash/coins/index_en.htm

(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).