In recognition of the increasing risk that medals and tokens similar to euro coins may be unlawfully used in the place of euro coins, the Central Bank of Malta has drawn the attention of the public to Regulations (EC) No 2182/2004 and No 2183/2004, which have recently been adopted by the Council of the European Union.

These regulations state that medals and tokens having visual characteristics, size or metal properties that are similar to euro coins should not be sold, produced, imported or distributed for the purpose of sale or for other commercial purposes.

This prohibition is applicable in all Member States of the European Union in the following circumstances:

• when the terms “euro” or “euro cent” or the euro symbol appear on their surface;

• when their size is within the limits specified by the regulations themselves;

• when any design appearing on the surface of medals and tokens is similar to any of the national obverse designs or to the common reverse face of euro coins, or is identical or similar to the edge design of the two-euro coin

The regulations also provide for specific exemptions, derogations by authorisation from the EU Commission and arrangements regarding existing medals and tokens.