Spain: New silver Proof coin released marking 20th anniversary of introduction of the euro currency

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The Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre — Real Casa de la Moneda has launched new silver Proof collector coins which mark the twentieth anniversary of one of Europe’s significant economic and social events. On the 1st January 2002, more than 300 million Europeans in twelve countries adopted a single currency, retiring many historic legacy currencies such as the franc, mark, guilder, lire, and of course peseta. The project of one currency for one trading bloc had been discussed since the founding in 1951 of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), created in Europe after World War II to regulate the coal and steel industries. This was the precursor to what became known as the European Economic Community, which was officially inaugurated in 1957 and thereafter the European Union in 1992. During the Heads of Government summit hosted in Madrid in December 1995, the name euro was officially adopted and replaced the previously used term European Currency Unit (ECU). The euro was thereafter introduced to world financial markets as an accounting currency on the 1st January 1999 and exactly three years later, with physical banknotes and coins.

Designed by graphic artist Luis José Díaz Salas, the reverse side includes an image, or personification, of Europa. The image is inspired by artistry found on a Greek vase more than 2,000 years old discovered in southern Italy and presently housed at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Europa is found on euro banknotes as a watermark and holographic security element. Also included in the design is the image of a bull, recalling the myth Zeus and the abduction of Europa. To her left are both the face value of 10 EURO and the crowned M mintmark of the Real Casa. To the right, at the top, there are twelve stars of various sizes, a symbolic representation of the European Union and the first twelve countries that adopted the euro currency in 2002. Below the primary design elements is the commemorative text XX ANNIVERSARIO DEL EURO. The obverse of the coin depicts an effigy of HM King Felipe VI facing to the left. The year of issue 2022 is placed just below the king’s likeness.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Mintage Limit
10 euro / 8 reales	.925 Silver	78 g	40 mm	Proof	7,000

Each silver Proof coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. For additional information about this coin and other coins available from the Real Casa de la Moneda, please visit their website.

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