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The Coins

There are 8 euro coins denominated in 2 and 1 euros, then 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Every euro coin will carry a common European face. On the obverse, each Member State will decorate the coins with their own motifs. No matter which motif is on the coins they can be used anywhere inside the 12 Member States. For example, a French citizen will be able to buy a hot dog in Berlin using a euro coin carrying the imprint of the King of Spain.The common European face of the coins represents a map of the European Union against a background of transverse lines to which are attached the stars of the European flag. The 1,2 and 5 cent coins put emphasis on Europe's place in the world while the 10, 20 and 50 present the Union as a gathering of nations. The 1 and 2 euro coins depict Europe without frontiers. Final designs were agreed at the European Council meeting in Amsterdam in June 1997.
Availability: Coins can be obtained from 1 January 2002 from banks and at retail outlets. In some Member States mini-kits will be made available in advance .
Tip: Do you know how much each euro coin is worth in your old currency? Do you know when your old notes will no longer be valid?
 

The Notes

There are 7 euro notes. In different colours and sizes they are denominated in 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euros. The notes will be uniform throughout the euro area; unlike coins, they will have no national side. The designs are symbolic for Europe's architectural heritage. They do not represent any existing monuments. Windows and gateways dominate the front side of each banknote as symbols of the spirit of openness and cooperation in the EU. The reverse side of each banknote features a bridge from a particular age, a metaphor for communication among the people of Europe and between Europe and the rest of the world. Final designs were announced in December 1996 at the Dublin, European Council. All notes will carry advanced security features. All euro notes are legal tender in all countries of the euro area.
Availability: Notes can be obtained from 1 January 2002 from bank cash machines and at the banking counter. Big retailers will also be giving them back as change after a purchase has been made with old currency. Many people are expected to find it more convenient to use credit and cash cards in the first few days of January 2002. By 28 February 2002 at the latest, old notes and coins will be withdrawn from circulation.
Tip: Do you know how much each euro note is worth in your old currency ? Use the euro converter to help you. Do you know when your old notes will no longer be valid?