Coins in purse. X-ray of 1 Euro coins in a purse. The euro is the currency of the euro-zone member states of the European Union, which replaced their national currencies. The numbered side of the coins is the same for all the countries. The other side has various designs specific to each country, though the coins are legal tender in all of them. Seven of these national designs are seen here (clockwise from lower centre): Portugal, Belgium, Italy, The Netherlands, France, Ireland, Germany. The euro was created on 1 January 1999 as part of European Monetary Union (EMU), but it was only used for non-cash transactions until coins and notes were introduced on 1 January 2002.