The German government has decided to mint a €5 collectors’ coin entitled “Insect kingdom”, which is scheduled for issue on 24th November 2022. The coin is the first in a series, “Wonderful world of insects”, which will see a total of nine coins with partially coloured motifs issued over the period 2022-24. The series brings into focus a particular group of animals that make up a significant part of our natural heritage, also against the backdrop of current developments (insect extinction).

The €5 collectors’ coin “Insect kingdom” is made of a cupronickel alloy. It weighs 9 g, has a diameter of 27.25 mm and will be manufactured both in mint condition and with a proof-like finish. The mint condition coins will be brought into circulation at their face value (€20). The collector quality coins with a proof-like finish will be higher than their face value and will be issue by the Münze Deutschland (Germany’s official sales agency for collector coins).

The coin was designed by Jordi Truxa, an artist based in Neuenhagen bei Berlin (picture side), and Andre Witting, a Berlin-based artist (reverse).

The picture side shows a diverse habitat with water, land and air, as well as various insects that enliven this space. The delicate colouring combined with the filigree portrayal of the flora and fauna brings the habitat rather than individual insects visually to the fore. The word “Insektenreich” (Insect kingdom) set in the bottom edge of the image forms the basis for the thematically highly successful depiction.

The reverse, which will be used for all coins in the series, features an eagle, the words “BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND”, the value and denomination, the year 2022, the twelve stars of Europe and the letter “F” for the State Mint of Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart.

Its smooth edge is embossed with the inscription: “WUNDERWELT INSEKTEN” (WONDERFUL WORLD OF INSECTS)