National sides

Belgium's euro coins were designed by Jan Alfons Keustermans, Director of the Municipal Academy of Fine Arts of Turnhout. There are two series of coins in circulation. Both are valid. The more recent design, shown here, shows King Albert II, the royal monogram and the year of issuance in the inner part of the coin.

€1 and €2 coins: the traditional symbol of German sovereignty, the eagle, surrounded by the stars of Europe, appears on these coins. This motif was designed by Heinz and Sneschana Russewa-Hoyer. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: EINIGKEIT UND RECHT UND FREIHEIT (unity, justice and freedom) and the emblem of the Federal Eagle.

The design for the national side of Estonia’s coins is the same for all denominations. It features a geographical image of Estonia and the word “Eesti”, which means “Estonia”.

The Government of Ireland decided on a single national design for all Irish coin denominations. They show the Celtic harp, a traditional symbol of Ireland, decorated with the year of issue and the inscription “Éire” − the Irish word for Ireland. The harp shown was designed by Jarlath Hayes. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: 2**, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.

This coin depicts a scene from a mosaic in Sparta (third century AD), showing Europa being abducted by Zeus, who has taken the form of a bull. Europa is a figure from Greek mythology after whom Europe was named. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ * (Hellenic Republic).

€1 and €2 coins: these show a portrait of King Juan Carlos I de Borbón y Borbón. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: 2**, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.

€1 and €2 coins: a tree, drawn by the artist Joaquim Jimenez, appears on these coins, symbolising life, continuity and growth. It is contained in a hexagon encircled by the motto of the Republic, “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité”. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: 2**, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.

Depicted on this coin is a portrait drawn by Raphaël of Dante Alighieri, housed in the Pope Julius II Wing of the Vatican City Palace. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: 2*, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.

(since 1 January 2008)

The €1 and €2 coins depict a cruciform idol from the Chalcolithic period (3000 BC). This characteristic example of the island’s prehistoric art reflects Cyprus’s place at the heart of civilisation and antiquity.

Yvette Gastauer-Claire designed the coins by agreement with the Royal Household and the Luxembourg Government. All the Luxembourg coins bear the profile of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri. They also bear the year of issue and the word “Luxembourg” written in Luxembourgish (Lëtzebuerg). Edge lettering of the €2 coin: 2**, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.

(since 1 January 2008)

The eight-pointed Maltese Cross is the main feature of the design on the €1 and €2 coins.

€1 and €2 coins: Queen Beatrix is shown in profile with the inscription “Beatrix Queen of The Netherlands” in Dutch. The 12 stars of Europe are confined to half the circumference of the coin. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: GOD * ZIJ * MET * ONS * (God be with us).

This coin bears a portrait of the pacifist Bertha von Suttner, a symbol of Austria's efforts over many decades to support peace. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: 2 EURO ***, repeated four times, alternately upright and inverted.

€1 and €2 coins: the country's castles and coats of arms are set amid the European stars. This symbolises dialogue, the exchange of values and the dynamics of the building of Europe. The centrepiece is the royal seal of 1144. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: five coats of arms and seven castles, all equally spaced.

This coin shows the poet France Prešeren and the words “Shivé naj vsi naródi” (God’s blessing on all nations) − a line from his poem “Zdravljica” which is also used in the country’s national anthem. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: SLOVENIJA followed by an engraved dot.

(since 1 January 2009)

The €1 and €2 coins depict a double cross on three hills, as featured in the national emblem of Slovakia.

The motif on this coin comprises cloudberries and cloudberry flowers in a design by Raimo Heino. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: SUOMI FINLAND ***, where the * represents a lion's head.

The second series shows, on the €2 and €1 coins, a portrait of HSH Prince Albert II. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: 2**, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.

The Government building (Palazzo Pubblico) is shown on this coin. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: 2*, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.

 The third series, issued in April 2006, shows His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and the legend “CITTÀ DEL VATICANO”. To the right of his portrait are the year (“2006”) and the mint mark (“R”). To the left are the designer’s initials (“DL”). Edge lettering of the €2 coin: 2*, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.