The original plans envisaged that both bank notes and coins should show at least some national symbols.

To avoid confusion it was finally decided to use the same design for all bank notes across the eurozone.

Coins, however, will have a European front and a 'national' back. Despite the national design, euro coins can be used throughout the eurozone.

Each eurozone country could decide on which national symbols it wanted to show on the back of "its" euro and cent coins.

Ireland, for example, displays the Irish harp, Spain a portrait of the King, the Dutch show their Queen, Italy features classical designs from Leonardo da Vinci and others, France the Marianne and Germany the eagle and the Brandenburg Gate.

Should the United Kingdom join Europe's monetary union, then the Queen's head would be displayed on euro coins minted by the Royal Mint.