Whereas French 2 euro coins certainly find their way into the wallets of other European countries, commemorative coins can hardly be found in circulation. Collectors have to look for them on the secondary market. But what is a fair price? And which pieces are of interest to collectors?
2 Euro Circulation Coins
The French Republic was one of the countries to introduce the euro as its sole currency in 2002. The reverse design (RV) meets the requirements set for all euro countries. The obverse design (OBV) depicts a tree of life as a symbol for life, growth and consistency. Euro circulation coins have been minted in France since 1999. From 2003 to 2010, no 2 euro circulation coins were minted although coin sets were issued in those years. All coins are produced by the French mint, the Monnaie de Paris.
Just like 2 euro commemorative coins, all 2 euro circulation coins consist of a ring made of cupronickel. The core is made of nickel brass with a nickel core (CuNi / Ni, CuNiZn plated). All pieces can slightly be attracted by a magnet at the centre.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: 8.50 g
- Diameter: 25.75 mm
- Reeded edge
- All French coins feature the inscription “2” followed by two alternately inverted stars next to the reeded edge.
Particularities
Coloured or even gilded pieces are not official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency.
Mint Error Coins
Minor punching errors, die cracks and rotated die error coins have been found. Some pieces of 1999 show the OBV motif (tree of life) on both sides. The reason was a wrong combination of dies. In 2001, pieces with the incorrect edge inscription “GOD ZIJ MET ONS” were minted (edge inscription of Dutch 2 euro pieces).
Appraisal
These coins can hardly be found in circulation. On the secondary market, prices for mint state specimens start at 3.50 euros. Punching errors are rather common and prices can be up to 10 euros. Coins with die cracks are rarer and prices start at 8 euros. The prices for rotated die error pieces start at 25 euros, depending on the rotation. Pieces from 1999 showing the obverse motif on both sides can cost up to 800 euros depending on the quality. 2001 coins with the incorrect edge inscription cost up to 700 euros depending on the quality. Thus, looking for these error coins is definitely worth it.
Joint Issues of the Eurozone
France participated in all four joint issues of the eurozone of 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2015. So far, no mint error coins have been found. These pieces are hardly ever found in circulation. On the secondary market, the prices for mint state specimens range from 6 to 8 euros.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications correspond to those of a 2 euro circulation coin.
30 Years Fête de la Musique, 2011
The OBV features cheering people, some notes and the words “Fête de la Musique” (Music Day). You can also see the date 21 June 2011. The festival has been celebrated since 1981.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications correspond to those of a 2 euro circulation coin.
Particularities
Coloured or even gilded pieces are not official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency.
Mint Error Coins
So far, no mint error coins have been found. Nevertheless, keep looking for minor punching errors, die cracks and rotated die error coins.
Appraisal
These coins can hardly be found in circulation. On the secondary market, prices for mint state specimens range between 4 and 10 euros.
100th Birthday of Abbé Pierre, 2012
Abbé Pierre (worldly name: Henri Antoine Grouès) was a French Catholic priest who founded the charitable organization Emmaus. The OBV features a portrait of Abbé Pierre with biretta.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications correspond to those of a 2 euro circulation coin.
Particularities
Coloured or even gilded pieces are not official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency.
Mint Error Coins
So far, no mint error coins have been found. Nevertheless, keep looking for minor punching errors, die cracks and rotated die error coins.
Appraisal
These coins can hardly be found in circulation. On the secondary market, prices for mint state specimens range between 6 and 12 euros.
100th Birthday of Pierre de Coubertin, 2013.
The well-known educator and sports official Pierre Baron de Coubertin (1863-1937) founded the International Olympic Committee in 1894. The OBV features a portrait of Coubertin. In the background you can see the stylized Olympic rings on the left and some Olympic disciplines.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications correspond to those of a 2 euro circulation coin.
Particularities
Coloured or even gilded pieces are not official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency.
Mint Error Coins
So far, no mint error coins have been found. Nevertheless, keep looking for minor punching errors, die cracks and rotated die error coins.
Appraisal
These coins can hardly be found in circulation. On the secondary market, prices for mint state specimens range between 7 and 14 euros.
Charles de Gaulle, 2020
Charles de Gaulle was a French general and statesman. He led the resistance of Free France in World War II against the German occupation. The OBV shows de Gaulle in two eras, as a general and as the President of the French Republic. Numerous streets and public buildings in France are named after Charles de Gaulle.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications correspond to those of a 2 euro circulation coin.
Particularities
Coloured or even gilded pieces are not official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency.
Mint Error Coins
So far, no mint error coins have been found. Nevertheless, keep looking for minor punching errors, die cracks and rotated die error coins.
Appraisal
These coins can hardly be found in circulation. On the secondary market, prices for mint state specimens start at 4 euros. The value of this commemorative coin will probably increase in the future.
In the online database Cosmos of Collectibles, you can find all French 2 euro coins.
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The author numiscontrol has already dealt with the rarities among 2 euro commemorative coins of other countries. too. Here you can read his articles for the coins from
Particularly valuable are euro coins with “turning stars”, here you find out which pieces are worth several thousand euros.
And here you can find his series on rare 2 euro pieces from Germany and on the joint EU issues (in German).
Find out more about our author numiscontrol, alias Reiner Graff, in our who’s who.
The collecting expert made it his mission to introduce beginners to the world of coin collecting – here you can read his series “Coin Care in Simple Terms”.
