The euro was launched on January 1st, 1999. It then became the official currency of the 11 member states.
For three years, the euro was used only in non-cash payments (checks, credit cards, wire transfers, etc.). National currency units were still used for payments in cash, until January 2002 when euro coins and banknotes were put into circulation.
The 17 countries which have now adopted the single currency have organized a European contest to choose the design of the commemorative two-euro coin, issued to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the introduction of euro coins and banknotes.
The contest was open to every citizen or resident of countries of the euro zone, aged 12 and up. The internet users were invited to vote among a selection of 5 designs chosen by a jury of professionals.
The winner, Helmut Andexlinger, designer for the Austrian Mint, was chosen in June 2011 by more than 35 000 voters.
The winning design symbolizes the place gained by the euro within 10 years: international currency used worldwide, citizens’ money and currency used for trade and industry.
These commemorative coins are common to the 17 countries which have adopted the euro, since the winning design is reproduced on the side of the coin where the national designs usually are. They have been issued since the beginning of 2012 by all the euro zone member states.
Published on 02 March 2012. Updated on 12 September 2019