2 Euro Commemorative Coin
30 Years of the European Union Flag

Celebrating 30 years of the European Union flag, a special edition 2 euro coin was jointly issued by all19 countries of the European monetary union in July 2015. Normally the national side of the coin is reserved for a motif specific to the country, but in this case all of the coins in every country bear the same design as a symbol of European unity.

A professional jury selected five coin designs from among the 62 designs submitted by Eurozone mints. Citizens and residents of the Eurozone were invited to select the winning design by means of an online public vote. The winning design, which received 30 per cent of the vote, is by Georgios Stamatopoulos from the Bank of Greece, who also designed the deliberately primitive “Matchstick man” coin from 2009 celebrating 10 years of economic and monetary union.

The design shows the EU flag as a symbol that unites people and cultures with shared visions and ideals. The 12 stars morph into human figures in a three-quarter circle, their arms outstretched to embrace a new Europe.

In Austria, 2.5 million normal quality 2 euro pieces for circulation will bear the special design. Unfortunately the late decision of the competition made it impossible for this coin to be included in the Proof and Special Uncirculated quality Official Austrian Coin Set 2015. However, as a special service, the “30 years of the European flag” 2 euro coin in circulation quality can be purchased at face value online and at the Austrian Mint shop.