the country''s castles and coats of arms are set amid the European stars. This symbolises dialogue, the exchange of values and the dynamics of the building of Europe. The centrepiece is the royal seal of 1144. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: five coats of arms and seven castles, all equally spaced.

The European Union before its enlargement on 1 May 2004

Five coats of arms and seven castles, all equally spaced

Three different euro designs were chosen from entries to a national competition. Designer Vítor Manuel Fernandes dos Santos, who drew his inspiration from historical symbols and the seals of the first King of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques, won the competition