The German government has decided to mint a 2€ commemorative coin marking 1,275 years since the birth of Charlemagne, to be issued from 30th March 2023. The coin pays tribute to Charlemagne (748-814), King of the Franks and Emperor of the Romans as the 1,275th anniversary of his birth falls in 2023.

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. 

The inner part of the coin also features the words “KARL DER GROßE” (Charlemagne) at the top as well as the year of issue “2023”at the bottom, the dates “748-814”, the country code “D” indicating that the country of issue is Germany, the minting letter of the respective mint location, (“A”, “D”, “F”, “G” or “J”) and the artist’s initials (“TW”). The twelve stars of Europe are arranged on the outer ring of the national side.

The European side corresponds to the common reverse side of the regular issue €2 coin in circulation since 2007, depicting a map of Europe without national borders.

The technical parameters of the €2 commemorative coin are the same as those of any regular issue €2 coin. Like the standard German €2 coins, the edge of the commemorative issue bears the inscription: “EINIGKEIT UND RECHT UND FREIHEIT” (UNITY AND JUSTICE AND FREEDOM) and a stylised Federal eagle. A volume of up to 20 million coins are to be minted for circulation. The coin will be valid as legal tender throughout the euro area.

The mint condition coins were successively put into circulation by the branches of the Deutsche Bundesbank as part of the normal cash requirements of banks and retailers at their face value (€2).