Euro: denominations and technical specifications of euro coins

The Council's common position included several of the amendments suggested by Parliament in its opinion which were also included in the Commission's amended proposal. In the light of these amendments, the common position: - clarified that the EC Mint Directors drew up a technical report on the issue whereas the formal proposal was made by the Commission in accordance with the Treaty procedures; - underlined the need to encourage public confidence in the euro coinage system and permit technological innovation; - stressed the need to enhance public acceptance through user-friendly physical characteristics of euro coins; - highlighted the importance of the link between the diameter and face value of the coins in this respect; - recalled that giving the coins a European and a national side was significant in terms of both symbolism and public acceptance. The Council also introduced new provisions aimed at clarifying certain references or amending incorrect figures: - it amended the title to clarify that the regulation concerned euro coins intended for circulation; - it indicated that the precise date for the issue of euro coins would be decided in accordance with the regulation concerning the introduction of the euro; - it added a recital to the effect that the figures relating to the thickness of the coins were of an indicative nature; - it amended the figure on the thickness of the coins from one to five cents (1.36mm thick), after receiving a correction from the Mint Directors. Finally, the Council did not integrate into its common position the European Parliament's amendments regarding: - the reduction of the number of coins to six; - the total exclusion of nickel from the surface of all coins; - the use of stainless steel for the 50 cent and the one and two euro coins; - the proposal to issue a gold coin with a face value of 100 euros. �