France 20 Euros, 2003

20 Euros from France. Issued in 2003. Struck in Gold (.920). Measures 31 mm and weighs 17 g.

Obverse

The design is inspired by the octopuses represented in Minoan art, listing the names of the twelve countries in the euro zone in a series of curves: "Belgique/België, Deutschland, Eire, España, France, Ellada, Italia, Luxembourg, Nederland, Österreich, Portugal, Suomi". Spread over the four ends of the "tentacles", the three French sides of the euro coins, and the initials "RF". The twelve stars of Europe and the face value "20 EURO" complete the composition which evokes the French unicity in the diversity of Europe.

Reverse

Portrait of the goddess Europe with stars in her hair, above 12 monetary acronyms "€" in an arc. To the left of the portrait and below flags on mats symbolizing the European flags.