New national side of euro coins intended for circulation
(2023/C 123/07)
National side of the new commemorative 2-euro coin intended for circulation and issued by Germany
Euro coins intended for circulation have legal tender status throughout the euro area. For the purpose of informing the public and all parties who handle the coins, the Commission publishes a description of the designs of all new coins (1). In accordance with the Council conclusions of 10 February 2009 (2), euro-area Member States and countries that have concluded a monetary agreement with the European Union providing for the issuing of euro coins are allowed to issue commemorative euro coins intended for circulation, provided that certain conditions are met, particularly that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the same technical characteristics as other 2-euro coins, but their national face features a commemorative design that is highly symbolic in national or European terms.
Issuing country: Germany
Subject of commemoration: The 1275th anniversary of the birth of Charlemagne (748–814), King of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor
Description of the design: The design combines two contemporary elements: Charlemagne’s personal monogram and the octagon of Aachen Cathedral. The two motifs are deftly merged into a distinctive work of art. The strength of the design lies in its dynamic, three-dimensional quality. Overall, it is an innovative tribute to an outstanding figure in European history. The coin’s inner ring also features the inscription ‘KARL DER GROßE’ (‘Charlemagne’) at the top and, in the bottom half, the year of issue ‘2023’, the dates ‘748–814’, Germany’s issuing country code ‘D’, the mint mark of the respective mint (‘A’, ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘G’ or ‘J’) and the artist’s initials (‘TW’).
The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 20 000 000
Date of issue: March 2023
(1) See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for the national faces of all the coins issued in 2002.
(2) See the conclusions of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 February 2009 and the Commission Recommendation of 19 December 2008 on common guidelines for the national sides and the issuance of euro coins intended for circulation (OJ L 9, 14.1.2009, p. 52).