Austria This shows a portrait of the radical pacifist Bertha von Suttner, a symbol of Austria's efforts over many decades, to support peace. |
Belgium Depicts King Albert II and a monogram – a capital 'A' underneath a crown – among 12 stars, symbolising Europe. The year of issue is part of the design, along with the year the coin was struck. |
Finland This shows cloudberries and cloudberry flowers, designed by Raimo Heino. |
France A tree, drawn by artist Joaquim Jiminez, appears on these coins, symbolising life, continuity and growth. It is contained in a hexagon and is surrounded by the motto of the Republic 'Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité'. |
Germany 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. None of the German Euros carry the words Germany or Deutschland. |
Greece 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. |
Ireland All Irish euro coins share single national design. They show the Celtic harp, a traditional symbol of Ireland, decorated with the year of issue and the word 'Eire' - the Irish word for Ireland. The harp shown was designed by Jarlath Hayes. |
Italy This depicts a portrait drawn by Raphaël of Dante Alighieri, housed in the Pope Julius II Wing of the Vatican Palace |
Luxembourg All coins in Luxembourg bear the profile of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke Henri. They bear the year of issue and the word 'Luxembourg' written in Luxembourgish ('Letzebuerg'). |
Monaco The center of the coin depicts the right profile of H.S.H. The Sovereign Prince Rainier III. Around the perimeter of each coin the inscription MONACO is printed on the top, year and the hallmark on the bottom, and twelve stars divided between the right and left sides. Engraved on the edge of the coin is a series of two stars repeated six times positioned alternatively right side up and up side down. |
Netherlands Queen Beatrix is shown in profile and the words 'Beatrix Queen of The Netherlands' are written around the circumference of the coins. |
Portugal Castles and Portuguese Coats of Arms are incorporated in the midst of the European stars symbolising 'dialogue ... the exchange of values and the dynamics of the building of Europe'. In the centre is a Royal Seal of 1144. |
San Marino Il Palazzo Pubblico - 'The Public Palace'. |
Spain This shows a portrait of King Juan Carlos 1 de Borbon y Borbon, King of Spain. |
Vatican As all the Vatican Euro coins, this shows a portrait of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, facing left. |