Spain.
Philip III,
100 Escudos 1609,
Segovia.
Unique.
Roman Republic.
Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony,
Tetradrachm 36 BC,
Antioch on the Orontes.
Augustus,
Aureus circa 27 BC-15 CE,
Pergamon (?).
Philip V,
8 Escudos 1729/7,
Mexico.
NGC MS65 (Top pop).
Great Britain.
Henry VII,
Gold Sovereign,
type I, Cross Fitchee, n. d. (1492),
Tower mint.
Temp. 'Abd al-Malik b. Marwan,
Solidus
AH 72-74.
Alfonso I d'Este,
2 Ducats n. d.,
Ferrara.
Pantikapaion,
Gold Stater
circa 380-370 BC.
Charles Anthony Johnson Brooke,
50 Cents 1906,
Birmingham (Heaton).
NGC SP66 (Highest grade).
50 Cents 1795,
Philadelphia.
German Coins in 2026: Two New Series and a Familiar Face
By Sebastian Wieschowski
This year’s focus is on the launch of new series, bringing fresh impulses to the world of commemorative and collector coins.
A reunion with a familiar face from your change: Could a €2 coin featuring Konrad Adenauer look like this? Photomontage: Wieschowski.
€2 Commemorative Coins: Regional and Historical
The popular €2 commemorative coins will once again be part of long-running series, as seen in 2025. The coin “Bremen (Klimahaus® Bremerhaven 8° East)” continues the “Federal States II” series, highlighting iconic landmarks from Germany’s federal states. It is complemented by a coin honouring Konrad Adenauer, the second issue in the “Unity, Justice, and Freedom” series, celebrating the political legacy of the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
New Horizons: The Launch of the “Space Exploration” Series
A highlight of this year’s programme is the introduction of the new €5 collector coin series “Space Exploration.” The series debuts with the coin “Ariane 6,” dedicated to the latest generation of European launch vehicles. Promising exciting designs, this series will showcase technological progress and pioneering achievements in space travel. With innovative designs and modern minting techniques, it aims to appeal to both technology enthusiasts and traditional coin collectors.
€10 Polymer Coin: Society in Focus
The €10 polymer coin “Rescue Services” will be part of the series “In the Service of Society.” This issue honours the dedication of emergency responders who work daily to save lives. The combination of silver and a coloured polymer ring gives the coin a distinctive appearance.
Silver Coins: Historic Anniversaries and Influential Women
The €20 silver coin programme includes a range of significant anniversaries and personalities:
- “125 Years of the Wuppertal Suspension Railway” celebrates this engineering marvel in the Bergisches Land region.
- Elisabeth Schwarzhaupt is honoured as a trailblazer in German politics, being the first Federal Minister of Health.
- “150 Years of the Richard Wagner Festival in Bayreuth” commemorates the cultural heritage of the legendary music festival.
- The coin “100 Years of the Nobel Peace Prize for Gustav Stresemann and Aristide Briand” highlights the importance of Franco-German reconciliation after the First World War.
Festive Spirit with a New Series: “Silent Night, Holy Night”
Another novelty is the €25 silver coin “Silent Night, Holy Night,” marking the start of the “Christmas Carols” series. Over the coming years, this series will celebrate well-known Christmas classics, blending festive motifs with high-quality minting. The first issue sets a reflective tone and is expected to attract particular interest during the festive season.
Gold Coins: From Wildlife to Literature
The 2026 coin programme also offers exciting themes in the field of gold coins:
- The European bison (Wisent), featured in the series “Return of Wildlife,” symbolises successful conservation efforts in Europe.
- The €50 gold coin “Design” from the “German Craftsmanship” series pays tribute to creative and artisanal achievements.
- The literary and numismatic highlight of 2026 for German coin collectors will be the €100 gold coin “The Jew’s Beech,” part of the “Masterpieces of German Literature” series, honouring the significant work of Annette von Droste-Hülshoff.
