10th Anniversary of the Eurozone

The Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is one of the key milestones in the integration of the European Union. It laid the foundation for economic coordination, a single monetary policy, and ultimately, the introduction of the euro currency.

Formally established in 1999, the EMU marked the beginning of the euro as a virtual currency used for electronic payments and accounting. While euro banknotes and coins would not circulate until 2002, the institutional framework and monetary alignment among member states began with the EMU’s launch.

10th Anniversary of the EMU

To commemorate 10 years of the EMU, all eurozone countries issued a joint €2 commemorative coin in 2009. This was the second euro-area-wide commemorative series, following the 2007 Treaty of Rome series.

The coin was designed by Georgios Stamatopoulos, a sculptor from the Bank of Greece. The design was selected by public vote from among five shortlisted entries proposed by the euro area national mints.

Design Features

The commemorative design reflects the evolution of the euro from abstract concept to a widely used currency:

• A stylized human figure (symbolizing the euro) is shown being born from the Latin letter "€", growing out of the euro symbol.
• A dynamic, abstract design suggests economic development, cooperation, and shared purpose.
• The text ‘EMU 1999–2009’ and, as with other joint issues, includes the name or abbreviation of the issuing country.
• The 12 stars of the European Union appear around the outer ring, as on all euro coins.

The design of Luxembourg also features the grand duchy of Luxembourg Henri I. The grand duchy was added to the design because the Luxembourg constitution requires it.

You can view all the coins that were minted as part of this series on Coinection.