Got this in my change today.

That one is a 20 cent piece from Italy. (The "RI" between the 9 and 10 o'clock stars is for Repubblica Italiana.) Yes, it looks interesting although, or maybe because, it probably is the least known of the art/architecture works depicted on the Italian euro circulation coins.

The actual sculpture depicted can be found in various museums around the world; one is in the MOMA in New York. Here is some info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umberto_Boccioni about the artist. The mid-range coins (10, 20, 50 ct) all have this color; the material, some brass variety, is called Nordic Gold. And after a couple of years in circulation, those NG pieces do not look that cool and shiny any more. But the shape, called Spanish Flower, is interesting too ...

Christian

 

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Right, such "euro style" medals have been made by various companies. This page http://ret001qm.eresmas.net/eu-ingle.htm shows an extensive collection of those fantasy pieces. Some are nicely designed, some are quite poor, and of course none of them has anything to do with the country or non-country that appears on the piece. Lots of photos, beware.

Christian

 

The Dutch 1 and 2 cent coins do not circulate either. As in Finland, all euro and cent circulation coins are legal tender there. But since cash totals are usually rounded in FI and NL, those low denomination coins are not actually needed there.

Christian