Security features

Euro coins incorporate high-security machine-readable characteristics. They can be used in vending machines throughout the euro area - no matter where they were issued.

• Sophisticated bi-metal and sandwich technologies have been incorporated into the €1 and €2 coins.
• The material of the 10, 20 and 50 cent coins is a unique alloy (Nordic gold), which is difficult to melt and used exclusively for coins.

Lettering around the edge of the €2 coin and the use of a unique metal composition for the 10, 20 and 50 cent coins protects them against counterfeiting.