EU gives euro users chance to design 10th anniversary coin

Apr 29, 2011, 15:37 GMT

Brussels - Ever thought of what should be on euro coins? Here's your chance to have a say.

The European Commission on Friday invited citizens of eurozone countries to submit their designs for a commemorative 2-euro (3- dollar) coin, which will be issued in early 2012 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the common currency's entry into circulation.

'The euro binds us all together and is an achievement we should be proud of,' said Olli Rehn, the European Union's economy commissioner. 'This design competition ... is a great opportunity for ordinary people to make their own mark on their currency.'

Traditionally, each eurozone country issues its own euro coins with different national designs on the back. But the commemorative coin will be the same everywhere, featuring not only the winning design but also the creator's initials.

Designs must be submitted by May 20, with the winner to be announced on June 30.

The euro is used by more than 330 million people in 17 countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.

Online: http://www.eurocoin-competition.eu

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