The euro launched on 1 January 2002 as physical currency in twelve member states, replacing national denominations that had defined European monetary identity for generations — in some cases, centuries. Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory with no intention of adopting the euro itself, nonetheless issued this commemorative within the year, a commercial rather than political gesture typical of Gibraltar's prolific commemorative program of the period.
The bimetallic construction — .9999 gold center paired with a .999 silver ring — places this among the more technically involved issues in the series. Few commemoratives of this size achieve that pairing at this weight.
The euro launched on 1 January 2002 as physical currency in twelve member states, replacing national denominations that had defined European monetary identity for generations — in some cases, centuries. Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory with no intention of adopting the euro itself, nonetheless issued this commemorative within the year, a commercial rather than political gesture typical of Gibraltar's prolific commemorative program of the period.
The bimetallic construction — .9999 gold center paired with a .999 silver ring — places this among the more technically involved issues in the series. Few commemoratives of this size achieve that pairing at this weight.