Two Euro 2023 Charlemagne, Coin from Germany - detailed information

The Two Euro coin (€2.00) is a circulating bi-metallic coin made of two alloys: the inner part of nickel brass, the outer part of copper-nickel. Like all the common circulation coins (from 1 cent to €2), the denomination is issued by the separate countries in the Eurozone and is legal tender in all of them, irrespective of which country has issued it. The denomination was introduced in 2002, when Germany retired the German Mark currency and introduced the Euro.

The coins have a common reverse designed by Luc Luycx in 1999 which shows a map of the European Union; it was changed in 2007 to reflect the enlargement of the Union. Each country has its own national obverse; the German regular obverse features the German Federal Eagle.

The €2 is also the only denomination in which circulating commemorative Euro coins are issued; these are also legal tender in all countries of the Eurozone, no matter which country issued them; commemoratives of other denominations are only legal tender in the issuing country. The number of commemorative coins is limited to two (before 2012 to one) per country per year (in addition to any common issue) and to 5 percent of the total mintage output. Given that the reverse is fixed, the commemorative designs are always on the obverse.

This circulating commemorative coin marks 1,275 years since the birth of Charlemagne.

Charlemagne (748 - 814), in German Karl der Große ("Charles the Great"), was King of the Franks and Emperor of the Romans.

"The national (picture) side was designed by Berlin-based artist Tobias Winnen. It combines two contemporary graphic elements: the emperor’s personal monogram and the octagon of Aachen Cathedral. These two motifs meld masterfully together to form their own unique, central work of art. The dynamic and sculptural design makes this a captivating piece, with its components combining to produce an innovative homage to Charlemagne - a giant of European history."

German Two Euro coins issued in 2023 have now been in circulation for only two years.