The Euro - Born out of Copper
History of copper in coins
Since the beginning of civilisation, copper has been used to make coins for currency. The ancient Romans recognised the value of this material and used a wide variety of copper coins. Centuries later, the Gold Standard gave way to the Copper Standard for coins of all values due to copper's long-lasting properties. Even today, when consumers are surveyed about copper, the most popular association comes with currency and coins. Anglo-Saxon countries like the United States and England have long used copper for their most popular coins, the penny.
Why copper for the Euro?
Its history as a material for currency is just one of the reasons why the adopters of the euro have chosen to use copper in each of the coins being introduced in twelve European nationals in January 2002. Copper's excellent resistance to corrosion made it appealing for the euro designers who required a non-tarnishable surface and an average lifetime for the coins of 30 years.
The smaller denominations of one, two and five cents will be made from copper-covered steel. The medium denominations of 10, 20 and 50 cents will be made from an alloy, containing 89% copper, called 'Nordic Gold'. The one and two euro coins have inner and outer rings made of nickel-brass and copper alloys.
The following table shows the composition of the Euro coins:
|
Coin | Diameter | Thickness | Weight | Composition | Description |
| 1 eurocent |  |
16.25mm | 1.67mm | 2.30 grammes | 94.35% steel, 5.65% copper | copper covered steel |
| 2 eurocent |  |
18.72mm | 1.67mm | 3.06 grammes | 94.4% steel, 5.56% copper | copper covered steel |
| 5 eurocent |  |
21.75mm | 1.67mm | 3.92 grammes | 94.64% steel, 5.36% copper | copper covered steel |
| 10 eurocent |  |
19.75mm | 1.93mm | 4.10 grammes | 89% copper, 5%
aluminium, 5% zinc, 1% tin |
nordic gold |
| 20 eurocent |  |
22.25mm | 2.14mm | 5.74 grammes | 89% copper, 5%
aluminium, 5% zinc, 1% tin |
nordic gold |
| 50 eurocent |  |
24.25mm | 2.36mm | 7.80 grammes | 89% copper, 5%
aluminium, 5% zinc, 1% tin |
nordic gold |
| 1 euro |  |
23.25mm | 2.33mm | 7.50 grammes (inner 3.71g/outer 3.79g) |
Inner: 75% copper,
25% nickel clad on nickel core Outer: 75% copper, 20% zinc, 5% nickel |
bi-metallic |
| 2 euro |  |
25.75mm | 2.10mm | 8.50 grammes (inner 4.10g/outer 4.40g) |
Inner: 75% copper,
20% zinc, 5% nickel clad on nickel core Outer: 75% copper, 25% nickel |
bi-metallic |
Copper's superior malleability allows clear images and distinct edging on all the
coins. The latter is especially important for the visually impaired. Each coin
denomination has a separate edge design to facilitate recognition.
Copper's electrical conducting properties, which result in highly specific electronic signatures, are critical to providing the security safeguards necessary for use in the myriad of vending and coin handling machines across Europe.
Other attributes that make copper the metal of choice for the new currency are its antibacterial characteristics and its low risk of inducing allergenic reaction. In an era of sustainable development, the total recyclability of copper makes it ideal for this new generation of coins throughout the euro countries.
How much copper is being used?
The initial production of blank coins throughout the Eurozone will require around 180,000 tonnes of copper. Divided over the last two years, this quantity represents about 2% of the annual copper usage in Europe. Coin blanks are being produced at plants broadly across Europe. The number of coins minted for each country will vary, based on propulation and historical usage patterns. For example, Italy is expected to need 13 billion coins, while Portugal's total is just 1.2 billion.
Recyclability of copper
Most of the material used for the minting of the coins will be new. Only when existing national coins are withdrawn from circulation will the market have material to recycle. Old coins will be sent back to various metal refining facilities where the different materials will be separated and then re-used in a broad range of applications. CRU estimates that 85,000 tonnes of copper will be recycled. For copper, it is thought that 80% of all the material mined over the centuries is still in use today.
The Euro design
A closer look at the euro coins themselves show a European side and a national side. Luc Luycx, a graphic designer of the Belgian Royal Mint, designed the European side with basic elements in the design showing a map of the European Union in different forms with a dynamic background composed of stars. The national side designs vary from country to country. Copper's performance attributes will help preserve the visual appearance and longevity of the coins in everyday use. While the copper blanks are being produced at a number of locations, the national mints will be producing the national coins.
Copper is considered to be the most historical coin metal and its unique properties have long proven their worth for mankind. It is no wonder that copper and its alloys continue to be selected for modern coinage throughout the world, and that it is the metal of choice for this historic moment when twelve countries will join together under one currency.
-o0o-
Mariann Sundberg, Director of the Scandinavian Copper Development Association, was actively involved in the development of the copper alloy, Nordic Gold. Click here to see her answers to questions put to her regarding the introduction of the Euro.
-o0o-
For further information on the introduction of the Euro go to http://europa.eu.int/euro
The Euro - Born out of Copper