In some countries, the image varies from one group of coins to another. For instance, the Greek 10-, 20- and 50-cent coins all show the portraits of heroes of the Greek struggle for independence, but the individual portrayed varies depending on the value of the coin. In others, the symbol varies depending on the value of the coin. In some countries, the coin displays a national symbol, such as a harp for Ireland, on every denomination of the coin. The obverse of the coin varies depending on the country of origin. The design is based on an original by Belgian artist Luc Luycx. Two versions of this design exist with slightly different maps of Europe the pre-2007 design shows each member state separately, while the 2007 design shows a map of all of Europe. The reverse of the coin is identical in all issuing countries the left side of the face shows a map of Europe, while the centre and right bear the legend “20 EURO CENT”. The resulting shape is called the “Spanish flower”, and is modelled on the pre-Euro Spanish 50-peseta coin.

The edge of the coin is smooth except for seven regular indentations, which extend a short distance into the face of the coin. The most distinctive feature of this coin is probably its unusual shape. Like the 10- and 50-cent coins, the 20 cent Euro coin is made of an alloy called “Nordic gold”, which actually consists of copper, aluminium, zinc and tin. Like all Euro coins, it has a standard reverse side, with the design of the obverse varying depending on the country of origin. The 20 cent Euro coin is the middle of the three gold-coloured Euro coins, both in size and value. As Ciampi observed, this represents the 'coin to the service of Man', instead of Man to the service of money.įor images of the common side and a detailed description of the coins, see euro coins.Exchange Euro Coins continues its series on the coins of the Eurozone with the 20-cent Euro coin. Leonardo's work is highly symbolic as it represents the Renaissance focus on man as the measure of all things, and has simultaneously a round shape that fits the coin perfectly.

However, the 1 euro coin was missing in this election, because Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, the then economy minister, had already decided it would sport the Vitruvian man of Leonardo da Vinci. The choice of the design of the coins was left to the Italian public by means of a television broadcast where alternative designs were presented, letting the people vote by calling a certain telephone number.

Who is on the 20 cent euro