Austria This depicts St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of the jewels of Viennese Gothic architecture and a popular tourist venue. |
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 Shows a heraldic lion which is a reproduction of a design by the sculptor Heikki Häiväoja. The heraldic lion in different designs has been used in several Finnish coins over the years, for example on the 1 markka coins between 1964 and 2001. |
France The theme of the sower is a constant in the history of the French franc. Designed by Laurent Jorlo, 'this modern, timeless graphic represents France, which stays true to itself, whilst integrating into Europe'. |
Germany The Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the division of Germany and its subsequent unification, is the motif used on these coins. The perspective of the design, by Reinhard Heinsdorff, emphasises the opening of the gate, stressing the unification of Germany and Europe. |
Greece Rigas-Fereos (Velestinlis) (1757-98) is featured on this coin. He was a forerunner and leading figure of the Greek enlightenment and confederation. He was a visionary of Balkan liberation from Ottoman rule. |
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 commemorates one of the greatest triumphs in Italian art. It shows one of the most famous works in the world, the 'Birth of Venus' by Sandro Botticelli. |
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 bears the Grimaldi seal. It is a seal of the founders of Monaco, Admiral Rainier Grimaldi and Charles Grimaldi, the first Seigneur of Monaco. This seal has appeared since 1950 on the coins of H.S.H. Sovereign Prince Rainier III. Around the perimeter of each coin the inscription MONACO is printed on the top, the year and hallmark on the bottom, and twelve stars divided between the right and left sides. |
Netherlands Queen Beatrix is shown in profile and the words 'Beatrix Queen of The Netherlands' are written around the circumference of the coins. |
Portugal At the centre is a Royal Seal from 1142. |
San Marino The Basilica of San Marino. |
Spain Miguel de Cervantes, the father of Spanish literature, is shown on these coins, reflecting 'the universality of the man and his work'. |
Vatican As all the Vatican Euro coins, this shows a portrait of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, facing left. |