Is the 5 euro coin accepted anywhere?

Question

Three years ago I went to the post office in a big city in France, there I received change back after I paid for something. I didn't look at it first but later on I discovered that I received a €5 coin. EUROS not francs.

Two years later in a medium city in Germany I went into a shop to buy food. There I gave money to pay for my food including the €5 coin. The shop assistant looked at it then said:

We only accept euros here…

I answered: it is euros look closer

He answered after looking again: sorry we don't accept such payments

I found this on the web in French

Can I pay with a €5 coin? Or is it only for collections? Was the shop assistant doing the right or the wrong thing?

Answer 1

It is indeed a (national) collector's coin. It is legal tender in the country where it was issued, but not elsewhere in the eurozone. Even in its country of origin, I could imagine that many people would be surprised to receive one or perhaps even refuse to believe that it is genuine.

And looking at the photos you can find on the web, I must say that their design is strongly reminiscent of old Franc coinage, which would only add to the confusion.

I can add that I have been living in the eurozone since it was created and even worked as a waiter for some time (during which time I have seen many banknotes and coins…) but I have never seen such a coin.

By contrast, €2 commemorative coins should be accepted and do circulate widely.