1, 2 and 5 Euro Cent coins: the oak twig, reminiscent of that found on the former German pfennig coins, provides the motif for these coins. It was designed by Professor Rolf Lederbogen.
10, 20 and 50 Euro Cent coins: the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the division of Germany and its subsequent reunification, is the motif used on these coins. The perspective of the design, by Reinhard Heinsdorff, emphasises the opening of the gate, stressing the unification of Germany and Europe.
1 Euro and 2 Euro coins: the traditional symbol of German sovereignty, the eagle, surrounded by the stars of Europe, appears on these coins. This motif was designed by Heinz and Sneschana Russewa-Hoyer. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: EINIGKEIT UND RECHT UND FREIHEIT (unity, justice and freedom) and the emblem of the Federal Eagle.
2 Euro EMU - The coin shows a stick figure which merges into the € symbol. It seeks to convey the idea of the single currency and, by extension, Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) being the latest step in Europe’s long history of trade and economic integration. The coin is issued by each euro area country and shows the name of the country as well as the legend ‘EMU 1999-2009’ in the respective language(s). The design was chosen out of a shortlist of five by members of the public across the European Union voting online. It was created by George Stamatopoulos, a sculptor from the Minting department at the Bank of Greece. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.
2 Euro Saarland - The coin features the Ludwigskirche, a symbol of Saarbrücken, the capital of the Saarland. It shows the distinctive east facade and bell tower of the church, with the word ‘SAARLAND’ and ‘G’, a mint mark, underneath. It was designed by Friedrich Brenner, whose initials appear to the right of the image. The year of mintage, 2009, the 12 stars of the European Union and the words ‘BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND’ are depicted on the outer ring.
