2019 Germany Copper-Nickel 2019 Germany Copper-Nickel Federal Council UNC UNC

The 2019 Germany Copper-Nickel "Federal Council" UNC coin is a commemorative 2 Euro coin issued by Germany. "UNC" stands for Uncirculated, meaning the coin is in brilliant, as-minted condition and has not been used in general circulation.

Here's a detailed description:

Coin Type and Theme:

This is a commemorative 2 Euro coin, part of the common currency of the Eurozone.

It was issued to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Bundesrat (Federal Council), one of Germany's constitutional bodies representing the 16 federal states at the national level.

Notably, this coin temporarily replaced the standard "Federal States" (Bundesländer) series in 2019, which typically features a landmark from a different German state each year. The change was made because the state next in rotation, Schleswig-Holstein, had already been featured earlier in the series.

Composition and Specifications:

Material: Like all 2 Euro coins, it is bi-metallic. The outer ring is made of copper-nickel, while the inner part is a three-layer composition of nickel brass, nickel, and nickel brass.

Weight: 8.5 grams

Diameter: 25.75 mm

Quality: Uncirculated (UNC). This indicates that the coin has not been used in transactions and retains its original mint luster and sharp details. While generally pristine, minor contact marks from the minting and bagging process can occasionally be present.

Design:

National Side (Obverse):

Artist: Designed by Michael Otto from Rodenbach.

Central Motif: The design features a highly detailed and finely sculpted depiction of the Bundesrat building in Berlin, which formerly housed the Prussian House of Lords on Leipziger Straße. The perspective and intricate architectural details are central to the design.

Inscriptions: "2019" (the year of issue) is positioned at the top. The word "BUNDESRAT" is inscribed at the bottom, along with "D" (for Deutschland/Germany) and the respective mint mark.

Mint Marks: The coin was produced by all five German state mints, each identified by a single letter:

A: Berlin

D: Munich

F: Stuttgart

G: Karlsruhe

J: Hamburg These mint marks are typically found on the inner part of the coin, near the year. Collectors often seek to collect a set of all five mint marks.

Common Side (Reverse):

Artist: Designed by Luc Luycx.

Main Motif: A geographical image of Europe (since 2007, depicting Europe without national borders), symbolizing the unity of the European Union.

Inscriptions: The denomination "2 EURO" is prominently displayed, and the twelve stars of the European Union are arranged around the outer ring.

Edge Inscription: The edge of the coin is finely reeded and features the German national motto: "EINIGKEIT UND RECHT UND FREIHEIT" (Unity and Justice and Freedom), often accompanied by stylized federal eagles.

Mintage and Collectibility:

The total mintage for circulation of the 2019 "Bundesrat" 2 Euro coin was approximately 30 million pieces.

Despite the relatively high mintage for a commemorative, UNC examples are desirable for collectors who want coins in their original, pristine condition. Complete sets including all five mint marks in UNC quality are a common collecting goal.