• A special reverse side for the 2 euro coin for all member states,
• A new common side for most coins to enter into circulation,
• Slovenia , the first of the 10 countries that made up the largest ever expansion of the European Union in 2004, will begin to issue and use euros.
Special Reverse of the 2 euro coin - 2007
The year 2007 marks the 50 th year of the signing of “The Treaty of Rome” which officially established the common market in Europe . In honor of this significant event, all European member states will be changing the reverse of their respective 2 euro coins dated 2007. The new coin will be available as of March 25 th 2007 for circulation as well as throughout the year as part of the various annual sets from the member states.
Several other treaties were signed at about the same time in 1957. These treaties were more economic in nature, and covered topics such as steel and atomic energy. Together these treaties are known as “The Treaties of Rome”. However, the first one signed on March 25 th 1957 established the European Community, now known as the European Union. The six founding signatories were Belgium , France , West Germany , Italy , Luxembourg and the Netherlands .
The 2007 bi-metallic base metal coin produced by all 13 member states of the euro zone (the 12 original euro issuing member states as well as the first new member state to issue euro coins, Slovenia ) will feature common design elements on each of the respective national sides. In the center field is a representation of “The Treaty of Rome” (looks somewhat like a book) bearing 12 signatures, two officials from each of the 6 founding countres. A star-like shape is centered behind the treaty and is based on mosaic located in the paving of the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome , in front of the Capitol where the Treaty was signed. This mosaic was created by Michelangelo.
Other common design elements are the words “Treaty of Rome” struck above this central design field. (Each of the member states will use their respective language for these words.) The only country that will use different wording will be Germany , which will commemorate the “Treaties Of Rome”, to encompass all treaties including the economic agreements of 1957.
As well, the year of commemoration and issue, 2007, is located below the central design field. Under the year is the country of issue, struck in that country's official language. The design was cooperatively developed by artists and marketing experts of several European mints at a workshop organized by the Austrian Mint in Vienna .
All 13 member states that will issue “The Treaty of Rome” 2 euro coin will use the newly developed design of the common or value side that will be phased in during 2007 and 2008 for the higher value euros coins.
The micro-states of the Vatican , San Marino and Monaco are not full members of the European Union and therefore will not be using the special design for the 2 euro coin in 2007.
Additional Background Information - “The Treaty of Rome ”
A united Europe has been attempted repeatedly throughout the centuries. Many of which were not necessarily voluntary. The Pax Romana (27 BC - 180 AD) allowed for great development and economic advances over long periods of time. The Holy Roman Empire and the Frankish empire of Charlemagne united great areas of Europe during the period 840 - 1806.
After the fall of these empires, many other attempts were made but were not as successful. In 1464, a Bohemian king suggested a community of sovereign states largely as a defence mechanism against invading forces. The union of Lublin which joined Poland and Lithuania was successful for over 200 years (1569 - 1795). In 1728 Charles de St. Pierre , a thinker and visionary and well ahead his time, proposed a common union of 18 European nations. The American Revolution certainly caused some Europeans to once again reflect on the idea of a united Europe . Napoleon, who greatly influenced the map of Europe , proved that a common system could work by establishing a continental customs union to keep British goods out of the continent. After his defeat 38 German States were loosely joined as a confederation through the “Congress of Vienna”. Certainly between the two World Wars the idea was revisited but the cost of the World War One and the years of the depression meant funds were not available to establish such.
After World War II, to help facilitate the rebuilding of Europe , the idea was once again floated. Several variations evolved and finally in 1957 six founding members established the “four freedoms” and signed “The Treaty of Rome.” The “four freedoms” are the free movement of people, goods, services and capital.
New Common Side for Euro Coins in 2007, 2008 and 2009
Beginning in 2007 a new common side or value side for the five higher value Euro coins, specifically the 10, 20 and 50 cent coins, made of Nordic gold, as well as the bi-metallic 1 and 2 euro coins, will be issued. Because of their smaller respective diameters, the three lower value coins made of cupronickel, specifically the 1, 2 and 5 cent coins, will continue with the original common side, a globe depicting Europe .
The new common side depicts a map of Europe , which now includes all 25 member states. The map is now a geographical representation without any political borders between the countries. Today's European Union is the world's largest cooperation of sovereign nations.
These design changes in no way affect the manner in which euro coins are circulated and used. All coins issued for circulation, regardless of which of the two common or value designs (old or new) is struck onto the coin, will continue to be recognized and used as legal tender in all member states that are using the euro currency for circulation.
The introduction into circulation of the new euro common side of the higher value coins will be phased in over two years, 2007 and 2008, to allow for differences in production cycles by the respective member states. The phasing in by all member states using the euro will be complete by 2008.
The member states currently using the euro that will use the new common side on all of its circulation as of 2007 are:
- Belgium
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Netherlands
The countries that will phase in the new common side in 2008 are:
- Austria
- Italy
- and Portugal
Confirmation by Spain if it will use the new side as of 2007 or 2008 is still outstanding.
The three associated states that are not full members of the European Union have been allowed to use the new common side and will do so as follows:
- the Principality of Monaco in 2007
- the Vatican City State in 2008
- San Marino in 2008