  On
January 1, 2002, a long-held dream will finally come true: the euro
will gloriously be circulated in Europe. The introduction of the new
euro coinage and paper currency will be an historic event - as well
as the largest monetary changeover the world has ever seen.
Over 300 million consumers and businesses and hundreds of millions
of travelers in the twelve participating nations will be able to buy
goods and services using the same currency, irrespective of their
borders. The currency will be circulated in Belgium, Germany, Greece,
Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Austria,
Portugal, and Finland, as well as in the autonomous Yugoslav province
of Kosovo.
Eight coin denominations are being minted in various sizes, colors,
and thicknesses. Fortunately for ICA members and stakeholders, all
of the denominations will contain a substantial amount of copper.
In fact, hundreds of thousands of tons of copper will be required
to mint the new euro coins.
The EUR 1 and EUR 2 coins will showcase a sophisticated bi-metal technology.
The EUR 1 coin will have a golden-colored outer ring comprised of
75% copper, 20% zinc and 5% nickel; the silver-colored center ring
will be 75% copper, 25% nickel clad over nickel. The EUR 2 coin will
have the opposite color scheme of the EUR 1 coin. The silver-colored
outer ring will be 75% copper, 25% nickel clad over nickel. The golden-colored
center of the coin will be 75% copper, 20% zinc and 5% nickel.
The 0.10, 0.20, and 0.50 euros (i.e., 10-, 20-, and 50-cent coins)
will contain an attractive 89% copper metal alloy known as 'Nordic
Gold.' The 0.05, 0.02, and 0.01 coins will be made from copper-covered
steel.
The obverse of each euro coin will feature a map of the European Union
and the stars of the European flag common to all twelve participating
nations. On the reverse side, each member state has the privilege
to decorate coins minted locally in its own national motifs.
ECI Promotes the Euros. ECI is launching a promotion program
to celebrate the use of copper in the new euros. An advertising campaign
at airports and railway stations will convey key messages about the
health, environmental, and technology benefits of copper. Other special
events are being planned, including a media tour of coinage blank
fabricators, minting facilities, and copper recyclers.
Health Benefits of Copper Euros. Copper's natural antimicrobial
properties helps prevent the spread of bacteria. |
