As part of the “Federal States” series, the German government has decided to mint a €2 commemorative coin “Saxony” (featuring Dresden's Zwinger Palace) to be issued on 5 February 2016. It is the 11th coin in the series, which was launched in 2006 and numbers 17 coins (one for each of the 16 federal states and one coin featuring the Bundesrat as a constitutional body) and intended to communicate a clearer idea of Germany’s federal structure to a European general public. The coins are issued in the same order as the presidency of the Bundesrat.

The design shows a view of the Kronentor (“Crown Gate”) from the inner courtyard of the Zwinger Palace in Dresden, giving a very clear impression of the characteristic design of the baroque gardens. The depiction of spatial depth leading up to the architectural facade is particularly impressive.

The inclusion of the gardens as an integral part of the overall design is especially compelling. The relief is, at the same time, clear and very fine. Much thought has gone into the coin's design, which succeeds in creating a horizontal focus on the west wing, clearly revealing the structural characteristics of an orangery. The text and year have been arranged in such a way that they integrate harmoniously into the overall composition.

Also included in the design is the name “SACHSEN” (Saxony) and issuing country code “D” for Germany at the bottom of the coin, the mint mark of the respective mint (“A”, “D”, “F”, “G” or “J”) and the engraver's mark (the initials “JT” for Jordi Truxa) at the top right as well as the year “2016” at the top left. The outer ring of the coin features the 12 stars of the EU flag.

The envisaged minting volume for each circulating coin in this series is 30 million.

The coins are legal tender throughout the euro area.