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.
Obverse script
Latin
Obverse lettering
20 EURO 20 EURO 20 EURO 20 EURO
ÖSTERREICH BELGIQUE BELGIE LUXEMBOURG NEDERLAND SUOMI PORTUGAL
DEUTSCHLAND ESPAÑA ITALIA FRANCE ELLADA EIRE
RF
Reverse description
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.
Reverse script
Latin
Reverse lettering
€ € € € € € € € € € € €
EUROPA
2003
Edge
Mint
Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date)