The French 1999 2 euro standard circulation coin features a design created by Joaquin Jimenez, which has become an iconic symbol of the nation's identity within the eurozone. The national side depicts a stylised Tree of Life enclosed within a hexagon, representing the geographical shape of mainland France. This central motif is encircled by the national motto, Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, reflecting the core values of the French Republic. The design is framed by the twelve stars of the European Union, symbolising unity and cooperation among member states. This specific issue features the original map of the European Union as it appeared on the common side of the coin at the time of its introduction. The 1999 issue has a mintage of 56,695,000 coins.