This is a truly magnificent set of Euro Trial coins from the Principality of Andorra. Andorra is one of the smallest nations in Europe, and is perched high up in the Pyrenees mountains, two thirds along the line from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Andorra has two co-princes as its titular heads of state. They are the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain.
It used to accept the currency of both its neighbours - France & Spain, and still does, but of course that currency is now the Euro. Although technically, Andorra had it's own currency - the Diner - these were never found in circulation.
Now Andorra has agreed on a set of pattern coins which would possibly be used for their official Euro sets if, and when they decide to issue them.
These new pattern Euros show on the reverse - a Spanish Galleon (representing Commerce) and the Dove (Representing Peace) and the Scales of Justice. Hopefully these three images are to replace the map of Europe currently on all Euros.
The 2 Euro and 1 Euro coins both feature a crowned eagle and wreath, as on the recent issues of indigenous Andorra coins.
The 50, 20, and 10 cent show a superb portrait of the Emperor Charlemagne - the founder of Andorra - and the smaller denominations feature a seated Bishop.
This set, which is housed in a De-Luxe, plush lined presentation case, (shown below) also features the proposed 5 Euros coin. At 36mm it is a lot larger than the others, and is shown here enlarged for clarity. It also shows the detailed bust of Charlemagne on its obverse but with a competition class skier on the reverse.
All coins are marked Probe . Essai . Prueba . Trial., and are dated 2003. A numbered certificate of authenticity is included.