The Greece 2004 standard issue 2 euro coin features a national design deeply rooted in ancient mythology and the cultural origins of the continent. The motif depicts the abduction of Europa by Zeus, who assumed the shape of a bull in classical Greek legend. This scene reflects Greece’s enduring legacy as the birthplace of Western civilisation and the source of the continent's name. Surrounding the central imagery are the twelve stars of the European Union positioned along the outer ring. The coin's common side displays the first map design of the European Union as minted during the early years of the euro currency. This standard circulation issue was released in 2004.