EUROPE'S eight single currency coins will include one in the shape of a "Spanish flower" under proposals unveiled yesterday.
A list of technical specifications to be put to EU finance ministers includes special design details to aid recognition by the blind and to improve public health by drastically cutting the nickel content of the euro loose change.
The first prototype coins got the thumbs down from EU governments when they were unveiled three months ago.
The new set answers German concerns that a planned nine sided version to aid the blind would make the conversion of millions of vending machines too costly. Instead, the 20 cent coin is basically round like the other seven, but includes seven petal shaped indentations.
Swedish health worries have also been met by removing the nickel content from all but two of the coins. Sweden, backed by Denmark, complained that the nickel content planned for four of the eight coins could cause allergies. Sweden is phasing out nickel in its domestic currency and claims the health dangers have not been recognised elsewhere in Europe.
Instead of nickel, most of the coins will use a nickel free alloy called Nordic Gold.
The eight coins are denominated as one and two euros, both in white metal, 50 cents in gold, 20 cents and 10 cents in silver, and 5 cents, 2 cents and 1 cent, all copper covered.
There are currently 70 billion coins in circulation in the 15 member states and the changeover to the euro - if it goes ahead - will be a massive task.
The European Commission hopes its new proposals will meet all the needs of the national mints and allow work to begin on changing machines and educating the public about the coins.
Meanwhile, a European competition is under way to decide the designs of the faces of the coins. One side of each coin is to be reserved for a national profile or symbol, while the other will feature a "euro" design representing the "aims and ideals" of the EU, architectural styles or a European personality.