Spain has issued a two-euro coin to commemorate its presidency of the EU.
The Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre, located in Madrid, began issuing the coins on 1 June. It is estimated that 1.5 million units will leave Spain to circulate in Europe.
They have the same technical characteristics as the other 2-euro coins already in circulation, whereas the national side features a design created especially for this occasion.
The new Spanish coin displays two different images. The first is the logo of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Surrounding the logo are the captions “Spain 2023 – Spanish Presidency” and “Council of the European Union”.
The second image, on the bottom of the coin, represents the mintmark of the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre.
On the outer ring of the coin, there are the 12 stars of the European flag.
In accordance with the conclusions of the European Council of 10 February 2009, euro area Member States and countries that have made a monetary agreement with the EU providing for the issuance of euro coins may issue commemorative coins intended for circulation.
However, they must comply with certain conditions, in particular, that only 2-euro coins may be used for this purpose.
Likewise, they will have the same technical characteristics as other 2-euro coins, but their national side will feature a commemorative design with great national or European symbolism.