The two euro coin (€2) is the highest value euro coin and has been used since the introduction of the euro (in its cash form) in 2002.  The coin dates from 2002, when euro coins and notes were introduced in the 12 member eurozone and its related territories. The common side was designed by Luc Luycx, a Belgian artist who won a Europe-wide competition to design the new coins.

2002-2006 Ireland €2, Type I reverse

The designs of the one and two-euro coins were intended to show the European Union (EU) as a whole with the then 15 countries more closely joined together than on the 10 to 50-cent coins (the 1-cent to 5-cent coins showed the EU as one, though intending to show its place in the world).

• The coin is made of two alloys: the inner part of nickel brass, the outer part of copper-nickel
• All coins have a common reverse side and country-specific national sides
• The coin has been used since 2002, with the present common side Type II design dating from 2007
  • The Irish obverse design shows the national arms of Ireland, an Irish harp (the Cláirseach)
  • Vertically on the left hand side is the word “Éire” and on the right hand side is the date
  • The harp motif was designed by Jarlath Hayes

The €2 coin is the coin subject to legal-tender commemorative issues and hence there is a large number of national sides, including three issues of identical commemorative sides by all Euro Zone members.

• See separate posts for these (special) €2 commemorative coins
  • O’Brien Coin Guide: Irish Commemorative €2 coins
  • O’Brien Coin Guide: Commemorative €2 coins of 2015 (previous years to follow)

2007 to date, Ireland €2, Type II reverse