Images on coins are not chosen randomly. They function as emblems of the country that mints them. The Greek word “Europe” is the name of a mythical figure, and also defines the geographical and political entity Europe. The double meaning is not coincidental. The fortunes of the mythical figure and the region have been intimately connected from antiquity, though the precise nature of their relationship was complex and contested. The coin suggests a clever play on the word ‘Europa’. It uses the mythical “Europa” to symbolize modern Europe. In doing so, it makes a powerful statement about national (and international) identities and about modern Europe´s cultural origins. The Euro was introduced in 2002 to mark a new world order: the creation of a new Europe or the European Union. At this moment of great change, the coin provides the reassurance of continuity; new Europe is also old Europe, with a long and venerable tradition that goes back to ancient Greece. Thus, the repetition of the symbol promotes the European Union.