Obverse. Photo © Numista
  • 2 Pounds 1996, KM# 973, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 1996 Football (Soccer) Euro Cup in England
  • 2 Pounds 1996, KM# 973, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 1996 Football (Soccer) Euro Cup in England
Description

The 1996 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 96, was the 10th UEFA European Championship, a quadrennial football tournament contested by European nations and organised by UEFA. It took place in England from 8 to 30 June 1996.

It was the first European Championship to feature 16 finalists, following UEFA's decision to expand the tournament from eight teams. Games were staged in eight cities and, although not all games were sold out, the tournament holds the European Championship's second-highest aggregate attendance (1,276,000) and average per game (41,158) for the 16-team format, surpassed only in 2012.

Germany won the tournament, beating the Czech Republic 2–1 in the final with a golden goal during extra time; this was the first major competition to be decided using this method. This was also Germany's first major title won as a unified nation.

Obverse

Third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Raphael David Maklouf

ELIZABETH·II·DEI·GRATIA·REGINA·F·D
· 2 POUNDS ·
RDM

Reverse

A stylised representation of a football, with the date of 1996 centrally placed and encircled by sixteen small rings.

Engraver: John Mills

19
96

Edge

TENTH EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Nickel Brass
Weight 15.98 g
Diameter 28.4 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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