a tree, drawn by the artist Joaquim Jimenez, appears on these coins, symbolising life, continuity and growth. It is contained in a hexagon and encircled by the motto of the Republic, “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, equality, fraternity). Edge lettering of the €2 coin: 2**, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.

L’Union européenne avant son élargissement le 1er mai 2004

2 ★ ★ 2 ★ ★ 2 ★ ★ 2 ★ ★ 2 ★ ★ ★ ★ 2

Over 1,200 designs were considered for the national side of the French coins. A panel chaired by the Minister for Economic Affairs and Finance chose three designs, each for certain specific denominations. The panel consisted of experts in numismatics, artists, a former Member of the European Commission (Christine Scrivener), Members of Parliament, the French Mint Director Emmanuel Constans, the General Engraver Pierre Rodier and the actress Irène Jacob, along with members of professional bodies.