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Identifying Marks on Euro Coins

The euro was introduced on January 1, 2002 as a replacement for the twelve national currencies of the countries then comprising the European Union (EU). There are eight coin denominations of Euros: the 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, and 1 and 2 euros. Each denomination has what is known as a "common" side that is the same throughout the EU, but the other "national" side is different for each issuing country.

Instructions

- 1
  Look first for the word "Euro" or "Euro Cent." This is on the "common" side. In addition to this, the name of the currency, you should also see a denomination mark, either in cents or euros.
- 2
  Continue looking at the common side of the coin. Besides the printed words, you will see one of two designs. The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins carry a motif of the globe of the Earth with the EU clearly marked upon it. The other coins depict the European coastline.
- 3
  Turn the coin over and examine the "national" side. Depending on the denomination and which country in the EU issued the coin, there will be a different emblem. These emblems were chosen to reflect the styles and national identities of each issuing country--the harp for Ireland, the eagle for Germany, images from antiquity for Greece. For more help with identifying these national sides, see Resources.

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