Brussels, 11/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 10 February, the Ecofin Council adopted common guidelines for the national sides and issuing of Euro coins intended for circulation. EU27 finance ministers will subsequently approve the recommendation submitted by the Commission in December 2008, which replaces its two previously approved recommendations (in 2003 and 2005). They have indicated that they agree that: Euro coins intended for circulation should be put into circulation at face value, but a small proportion of the issued Euro coins can be sold at a higher price if justified by reasons pertaining to special quality or packaging (this rule will apply from 1 January 2010 for countries that concluded monetary agreements with the European Community); the national side of Euro coins in circulation should bear the 12 European stars fully surrounding the national design, including the year mark and name of issuing member state; the designs for national coin sides should not be modified, except in cases where the head of state referred to on a coin changes; commemorative Euro coins intended for circulation should only commemorate subjects of major national or European relevance. The number of commemorative Euro coins should ordinarily be limited to one per issuing member state per year. (A.B./transl.rh)