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 10 Years of the Euro - The inner part of the coin, designed by Helmut Andexlinger of the Austrian Mint and chosen by citizens and residents of the euro area to be the common commemorative coin for 2012, features the world in the form of a euro symbol in the centre, showing how the euro has become a true global player over the last ten years. The surrounding elements symbolise the importance of the euro to ordinary people (represented by a family group), to the financial world (the Eurotower), to trade (a ship), to industry (a factory), and to the energy sector and research and development (two wind turbines). The designer’s initials, “A.H.”, can be found (if you look very carefully) between the ship and the Eurotower. Along the upper and lower edges of the inner part of the coin are, respectively, the country of issue and the years “2002 – 2012”. The coin will be issued by all euro area countries. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European Union.
2 Euro Bavaria - The inner part of the coin, designed by Erich Ott, depicts one of Bavaria’s most famous landmarks, Neuschwanstein Castle, viewed from the east, with the gatehouse in the foreground, the romantic towers and turrets of the castle itself, and the majestic mountains behind. Beneath is the name of the federal state “BAYERN”. To the right is the mintmark of the respective mint (A, D, F, G or J) and to the left are the initials of the designer. The outer ring features the 12 stars of the European Union with a “D” at the top and “2012” at the bottom, denoting the country and year of issue respectively.