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A common commemorative 2 euro coin issued by Greece in 2009 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Economic and Monetary Union. The coin was issued by all eurozone countries with the same design. The design was chosen by an online vote of EU citizens from five finalists. The author of the design is Georgios Stamatopoulos, sculptor of the Bank of Greece Mint. Mintage of 1,000,000. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The centre features a stylised human figure, combined with the euro symbol "€". The design aims to convey the idea that the single currency and, more broadly, the Economic and Monetary Union are the latest stage in the long history of European trade and economic integration. Around the image are the inscriptions in Greek: "10 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΟΝΕ 1999-2009" (10 years of the EMU) and "ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ" (Hellenic Republic). Above the year "2009", the author's initials "ΓΣ" are visible. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the EU.
Reverse
The reverse is the updated common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix. It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders. On the left is a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the EU. Edge - with fine ribbing and inscription.
Historical context
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is the process of harmonizing the economic and monetary policies of the European Union countries, culminating in the introduction of the single currency, the euro. The third, decisive stage of EMU began on 1 January 1999, when the euro was introduced as a non-cash currency in 11 countries, and the exchange rates of national currencies were irrevocably fixed against the euro. On the same day, the European Central Bank took over responsibility for the monetary policy of the euro area. Euro cash coins and banknotes entered circulation on 1 January 2002. Greece joined the euro area on 1 January 2001, becoming the twelfth country. EMU is one of the greatest achievements of European integration in modern history.