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

This coin is a commemorative 2 Euro issue, part of the common currency of the Eurozone. Unlike Germany's typical "Federal States" (Bundesländer) series, which usually features a landmark from one of Germany's 16 federal states, the 2019 coin celebrates a significant political institution.

The coin commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Bundesrat (Federal Council), the constitutional body that represents the federal states of Germany at the national level. This temporary deviation from the Bundesländer series was necessitated by a change in the Bundesrat presidency rotation, which would have meant featuring a state (Schleswig-Holstein) that had already been depicted in an earlier year of the series.

Composition and Technical Specifications:

Material: As a standard 2 Euro coin, it is bi-metallic. The outer ring is made of copper-nickel, while the inner core is a three-layer composition of nickel brass, nickel, and nickel brass.

Weight: 8.5 grams

Diameter: 25.75 mm

Thickness: 2.20 mm

Quality: Uncirculated (UNC). This means the coin was produced for collectors and immediately packaged to prevent wear and tear. It retains its original mint luster and sharp details, though minor bag marks from the minting process may occasionally be present.

Design Elements:

National Side (Obverse):

Artist: Designed by Michael Otto from Rodenbach.

Main Motif: The central design features a highly detailed and finely sculpted depiction of the Bundesrat building in Berlin, which was formerly the Prussian House of Lords on Leipziger Straße. The intricate architectural details and use of perspective create a compelling image.

Inscriptions: "2019" (year of issue) is placed at the top. The word "BUNDESRAT" is inscribed at the bottom. The country code "D" (for Deutschland/Germany) is also present.

Mint Mark: Each coin bears a mint mark indicating which of Germany's five state mints produced it:

A: Berlin

D: Munich

F: Stuttgart

G: Karlsruhe

J: Hamburg These mint marks are typically located on the upper half of the inner section of the coin, near the year.

Common Side (Reverse):

Artist: Designed by Luc Luycx.

Main Motif: A geographical image of Europe, depicting the continent without national borders, symbolizing the unity of the European Union.

Inscriptions: The denomination "2 EURO" is prominently displayed. 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 the 2019 "Bundesrat" 2 Euro coin for circulation was approximately 30 million pieces.

While a high mintage for a commemorative, UNC examples are still desirable for collectors who seek coins in pristine condition. Many collectors aim to acquire a complete set of all five mint marks (A, D, F, G, J) in UNC quality.

These coins were distributed in mint rolls or special collector cards (coincards) to maintain their uncirculated state.