The coin commemorates the evolution of trade relationships, ranging from prehistoric bartering (indicated by the intentionally “primitive” design of the motif) to the single currency of the economic and monetary union as the final stage in Europe's long history of trade and economic integration. The general public in the euro area voted on the coin motif in an online survey. It was designed by Georgios Stamatopoulos, who works as a sculptor at the Bank of Greece.

This coin is being issued by all the countries of the euro area. The only difference is on the national side of the coin in the individual euro-area member states, which bears an inscription in the respective national language. Like all German €2 coins, the edge of the coin issued by Germany bears the embossed inscription “EINIGKEIT UND RECHT UND FREIHEIT”(Unity and Justice and Freedom) as well as a stylised Federal eagle. They were minted in equal quantities in both mint condition and proof-like finish by all five German mints.

Issue volume: 30 million (in Germany)

Issue date: 2009-01-01