OBJECTIVE: to lay down uniform specifications for the first series of euro coins to ensure their
smooth circulation within the Community.
COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Regulation (EC) No 975/98 on denominations and technical
specifications of euro coins intended for circulation.
SUBSTANCE: the Regulation lays down the technical specifications (diameter, thickness, weight,
shape, colour, composition and edge) of the first series of euro coins, comprising eight face
values, from one cent to two euro.
The specifications have been designed to induce public confidence, to ensure that the coins are
easy to use and identify thanks to their visual and tactile characteristics and that they suit the main
user groups, and to reduce the scope for fraud to a minimum.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: 01/01/1999.
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