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1; 2; 5 euro cent, Andorra
Mountains in the background - the image of the Pyrenean chamois. In the sky soar bearded. Lower Left diagonally in two lines the name of the issuing state «ANDORRA» and year of coinage.
Andorra has a monetary agreement with the EU allowing it to make the euro its official currency, and permitting it to issue euro coins as early as 1 July 2013. The country did not have an official currency prior to adopting the euro, and unlike its two larger neighbours, France and Spain, which surround it, it is not a member of the EU.
On the alpine meadows of the Pyrenees is found Pyrenean chamois (a subspecies of Pyrenean Chamois pyrenaica), which has become a kind of symbol of Andorra. Locals call this animal "Izard» (isard, izardo; translated from the Basque language - "star"). It is believed that its name it has received due to the small white spot on the forehead, the shape of which resembles a star.
Even just one or two centuries ago in the Pyrenees could see quite large herds of animals of up to 150 individuals each. But today chamois can be found only in remote mountainous areas in groups of not more than 20 or 30 individuals. Their habitat - alpine meadows and rocky areas in the high mountains - 400-2800 m above sea level. Forest Pyrenean chamois tries to avoid. Height at the withers of these animals is 76-81 cm, length - 93-134 cm, weight - 24-50 kg.
10; 20; 50 euro cent, Andorra
In the central part there is an image of Santa Coloma Church, in the foreground - a stone arch. To the right are listed vertically in two lines the name of the issuing state «ANDORRA» and year of coinage.
Church of Santa Coloma (Esglesia de Santa Coloma) is considered one the most ancient monuments of Andorra. It is located in the eponymous town in two kilometers from the capital of the principality of Andorra La Vella.
The construction of churches in pre-Romanesque style dates back to VI-VIII centuries. And it was first mentioned in historical records dating from the 1040 year.
1 euro coins, Andorra
In the central part - the building of the old parliament Andorra Casa de la Vall. Bottom horizontally arranged in two rows name of the issuing state «ANDORRA» and year of coinage.
One of the oldest buildings of the capital of the principality of Andorra la Vella is the building of the old parliament Casa de la Vall (Casa de la Vall, which means "House of the valleys"), located in the Old Quarter, in the heart of the city. It was built by the family Bukets in 1580 and initially played the role of defensive towers. In 1702, the General Council, the highest legislative body of Andorra (from 1419), bought the Casa de la Vall for the Parliament, which met in the walls of the "House of the valleys" for the next three centuries. During this time, the building was rebuilt and renovated several times. The last renovation took place in 1962.
2 euro coins, Andorra
In the central part - the emblem of the Principality of Andorra. Right vertically engraved in two lines the name of the issuing state «ANDORRA» and year of coinage.
Andorran coat of arms is one of the oldest state emblems and symbolizes the joint rule of France and Spain. He is divided into four equal parts in the shield figure cartouche. At the bottom of the cartouche engraved with the saying: «VIRTUS UNITA FORTIORI» (Latin for "Together we are stronger").
The coat of arms of the bishop of Urgell on the red background shows the miter (bishop's headdress) with silver ribbons and trim and crozier of gold color. The coat of arms of the French county of Foix depicts three red pillar on a gold background. Four red column on a gold background are taken from the Catalan coat of arms and serve as a reminder that andorrantsy are Catalans. Arranged one above the other two red cow with blue horns, hooves and bells around the neck - coat of arms viscountcy Bearn.
