Why was copper chosen?

Its history as a material for currency is just one of the reasons why the adopters of the euro chose to use copper in each of the coins introduced in twelve European countries in January 2002. Copper’s excellent resistance to corrosion made it appealing for the euro designers who required a non-tarnishable surface and an average lifetime for the coins of 30 years.

Copper’s excellent malleability allows clear images and distinct edging on all the coins. The latter is especially important for the visually impaired. Each coin denomination has a separate edge design to facilitate recognition. Copper’s electrical conducting properties, which result in highly specific electronic signatures, are critical to providing the security safeguards necessary for use in the myriad of vending and coin handling machines across Europe.

Another attribute that made copper the metal of choice for the euro currency is its low risk of inducing allergic reaction. In an era of sustainable development, the total recyclability of copper made it ideal for this new generation of coins throughout the euro countries.

Copper’s performance attributes will help preserve the visual appearance and longevity of the coins in everyday use. While the copper blanks are produced at a number of locations, the national mints produce the national coins. Copper is considered to be the most historical coin metal and its unique properties have long proven their worth for mankind. It is no wonder that copper and its alloys continue to be selected for modern coinage throughout the world, and that it was the metal of choice for the historic moment when twelve countries joined together under one currency.

How much copper was needed?

The initial production of blank coins throughout the Eurozone required around 180,000 tonnes of copper. Divided over two years, this quantity represented about 2% of the annual copper usage in Europe. Coin blanks were produced at plants broadly across Europe. The number of coins minted for each country varied based on population and historical usage patterns. For example, Italy needed 13 billion coins, while Portugal needed just 1.2 billion.

Recyclability of copper

Most of the material used for the minting of the coins was new. Only when existing national coins were withdrawn from circulation did the market have material to recycle. Old coins were sent back to various metal refining facilities where the different materials were separated and then re-used in a broad range of applications.

CRU estimated that 85,000 tonnes of copper were recycled. For copper, it is thought that 80% of all the material mined over the centuries is still in use today.

The Euro design

Euro coins have one common side with the same designs across all euro-area countries, and a national side designed by each participating country.  Luc Luycx, a graphic designer of the Belgian Royal Mint, designed the European side with basic elements in the design showing a map of the European Union in different forms with a dynamic background composed of stars.

The common sides of the eight euro coins have different designs:

• 2 and 1 euro, 50, 20 and 10 cent show either the European Union before its enlargement on 1st May 2004 or, as of 1st January 2007, a geographical image of Europe.
• 5, 2 and 1 cent show Europe in relation to Africa and Asia on a globe.