2006 Greece 2 Euro

This 2006 Greek 2 Euro coin commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, a document that birthed the European Economic Community and set the stage for the Euro itself.

Designed by Greek artist Georgios Stamatopoulos, the reverse side features a stylized depiction of the treaty's signing, with representatives from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands gathered around a table. The coin's edge bears the standard "2 EURO ★" inscription, repeated six times—once for each founding nation.

Struck at the Greek mint in Athens, it uses the typical bi-metallic composition: a cupro-nickel ring around a nickel-brass center. Exact mintage numbers have been murky since the Eurozone's early records weren't always meticulous; I recall estimates around 12 million, but that's hearsay.

Collectors sometimes overvalue these for their symbolism, but it's just a coin. As one numismatist put it, it's the currency equivalent of a diplomatic handshake—firm, but not especially warm.