2 cent euro coins
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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2 cent euro coin (€0.02) is the second lowest domination of the euro coins.
.png/120px-EUR_0.02_(2002_issue).png) Common side of all 2 cent euro coins |
.gif){kind=small} Edge of all 2 cent euro coins |
[edit] Design
- See also: Euro coins#Current design
.jpg/180px-Eurocent_edges_(2,10,20).jpg)
The coins are made of a steel core plated with copper. They have a diameter of 18.75 mm, a 1.67 mm thickness and a mass of 3.06 grams. They incorporate a distinctive groove running circumferentially around the edge of the coin; this groove can be felt easily by running the finger tip or a fingernail across the edge of the coin. All coins have a common reverse side and country-specific national sides.
The present common design displays "Europe's place in the world", bordered by North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The fifteen then-European Union member states are highlighted but this was not considered prominent enough to warrant a change in design when the non-copper coins were redesigned in 2007 to reflect the post-2004 enlargements. This side also shows a large figure 2 and the words "euro cent", twelve stars are also displayed in two groups along the edge.
Although there are no plans to get rid of the two cent coin, the Commission and some member states have proposed that its national side be standardised across the eurozone to reduce the cost of its production.
[edit] Usage
Finnish and Dutch businesses and banks employ a method known as "Swedish rounding" when tallying sums. Due in large part to the inefficiency of producing and accepting the 1c and 2c coins, Finland has opted to remove these coins from general circulation in order to offset the cost involved in accepting them. The 1c and 2c coins are legal tender and are still minted for collector sets as required by the European Monetary Union (EMU) agreement.
While individual prices are still shown and summed up with €0.01 precision, the total sum is then rounded to the nearest €0.05. Sums ending in €0.01, €0.02, €0.06 and €0.07 are rounded down to the nearest 5 cents; sums ending in €0.03, €0.04, €0.08 and €0.09 are rounded up to the nearest 5c.
A survey in 2004 found a majority of citizens wanting to the one and two cent coins to be withdrawn across the eurozone, however citizens in Germany were most vocal in the support of the coin. At present, the three copper coins together represent 80% of all new coins minted in the eurozone.
[edit] National sides
 Belgium: Effigy and monogram of King Albert II |
 Finland: The heraldic lion of Finland found on the Coat of arms of Finland. |
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 Greece: A corvette (or dromon) of the early 19th century. |
 Ireland: The traditional Irish harp |
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 Italy: Mole Antonelliana, a tower symbolising the city of Turin. |
 Luxembourg: Effigy of Grand Duke Henri |
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 Netherlands: Portrait of Queen Beatrix, her title around the edge. |
 San Marino: Statue of Liberty |
 Slovenia: The Prince's Stone, where Karantanian Dukes were installed. |
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 Spain: The Obradoiro façade of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. |
 Vatican: Effigy of Pope Benedict XVI |
[edit] Former designs
Designs still in circulation but no longer minted:
 Vatican City: Effigy of Pope John Paul II |
 Vatican City: Issued during the Sede vacante period. Insignia of the Apostolic Chamber and the Coat of arms of the Cardinal Chamberlain. |
 Finland: 1st Series (1999–2006) |
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 Belgium: 1st Series (1999–2007) |
[edit] Planned designs
Planned designs to come into circulation once the members who designed them adopt the euro. The dates shown below are tentative and have not been confirmed. They have been mentioned in the media and several other sources, but are subject to change.
 Slovakia: Kriváň, a symbolic mountain in the High Tatras. Introduction currently planned in 2009. |
 Lithuania: The Vytis, the Coat of arms of Lithuania. Introduction currently planned in 2010. |
 Latvia: Coat of arms of Latvia. Introduction currently planned in 2013. |
See Enlargement of the eurozone for more details of the schedule for these and other countries.
[edit] External links
- National sides of 2 cent euro coins. European Central Bank. Retrieved on 2007-04-17.
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