2015 – Europe – 30th anniversary of the European flag

Introduction

This 2 euro commemorative coin, issued by 19 European countries from 1 July 2015, celebrates the 30th anniversary of the European flag. First of all, it symbolises the unity and solidarity of the Member States of the European Union. Furthermore, it marks an important milestone in European history, reinforcing the common visual identity of the countries of the Union.

Coin description

The obverse of this 2 euro coin features an evocative and symbolic scene. Twelve stylised figures, holding hands, surround the European flag. This flag is composed of twelve golden stars arranged in a circle on a blue background. These stars represent solidarity and harmony between the peoples of Europe.

Furthermore, the circular arrangement of the figures and stars on the coin recalls the unity and cooperation of the Member States. The design is simple but powerful, illustrating the spirit of community and cohesion that underpins the European Union.

On the right side of the coin, the inscriptions “1985-2015” mark the 30th anniversary of the European flag. In addition, each country will put its name on the coin. At the bottom, near the edge, is the artist’s signature, symbolizing the artistic creation behind this design.

Finally, the coin’s twelve stars, located on the outer ring, correspond to the twelve founding countries of the European Union. In this way, these stars reinforce the continuity and unity of the Union, regardless of its enlargement over the years. In addition, they recall the fundamental values ​​of the EU: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Anecdotes

The European Commission chose this motif in an online competition held between 30 March and 9 May 2015. Around 100,000 votes were collected for the competition. Participants selected the design for this series from five proposals. George Stamatopoulos, engraver at the National Bank of Greece, created the five proposed designs. Here are the four motifs that were not selected:

The Principality of Monaco and the microstates of the Vatican and San Marino did not issue this coin, as they are not members of the European Union. In Luxembourg, a law requires the presence of the portrait of the Grand Duke on coins issued in the country. Thus, the portrait of the latter was struck as a watermark on the central part of the coin. In the Netherlands, a similar law exists, but it is repealed in the case of joint issues.

Finally, this show marks the first joint participation of Latvia and Lithuania.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this €2 coin, issued by 19 European countries in 2015, eloquently celebrates the 30th anniversary of the European flag. The obverse design embodies the spirit of unity and solidarity of the European Union, while honouring its core values. Therefore, this coin is a lasting testimony to the commitment of the member countries to a common European identity and harmonious cooperation.

Official Journal: As each coin has been the subject of a separate entry in the Official Journal of the European Union, links to the publications in the Official Journal will be included on each coin.

Coins issued by 19 countries:

Ce symbole signifie qu’une version colorisée officielle de la pièce existe.