The German government has decided to mint a €5 collectors' coin with the motif “Planet Earth”, issued on 14 April 2016. The coin comprises three components: An outer ring, an inner core (pill) made from base metal and an embossable blue polymer ring inserted between the ring and the core. The polymer ring is translucent and thus partially see-through. Thanks to this feature, the €5 coin was the very first of its kind worldwide.

The coin's smooth edge is embossed with the inscription:
“BLAUER PLANET ERDE – BLAUER PLANET ERDE” (Blue Planet Earth)

The arrival of this novelty coin added colour to the classic range of coins currently on offer customised to coin collectors. At the same time, the modern coin aimed at getting young people interested in German collectors' coins.

The artist Stefan Klein from Iserlohn, Germany, designed the coin while the eagle figure is based on a template created by Alina Hoyer from Berlin.

The jury explained their decision as follows:
“The (...) design stands out thanks to its clear style and the very successful realisation of the specified subject Planet Earth. Earth is depicted in the inner circle with its continents shown as dotted masses. The clever positioning of the Earth's surface right next to the polymer ring fulfils two functions: The blue ring encircles the planet in such a way that the viewer instinctively thinks of it as the Earth's atmosphere. Additionally, the ring represents the link between Earth and the cosmos. The various sizes of the depicted celestial bodies reflect the diversity of astronomical objects...”

The reverse features an eagle framed by the words “BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND”, the value and denomination, the year 2016, the twelve stars of Europe and the mint mark “A” (Berlin), “D” (Munich), “F” (Stuttgart), “G” (Karlsruhe) or “J” (Hamburg), depending on where the coin was minted.

The coin was produced in both mint condition and with a proof-like finish and weighs 9g.