2020 Germany Copper-Nickel 2020 Germany Copper-Nickel 50 Years of Warsaw genuflection UN UNC UNC

This bimetallic 2 Euro commemorative coin, issued by Germany in 2020, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the historic "Warsaw Genuflection" (Kniefall von Warschau) by then German Chancellor Willy Brandt. This profound gesture of humility and repentance occurred on December 7, 1970, at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes in Warsaw, Poland. The coin is released in Uncirculated (UNC) quality, meaning it is as issued from the mint, without any signs of wear from circulation.

Theme and Significance:

Willy Brandt's spontaneous kneeling at the memorial to the victims of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising was a deeply symbolic act. It was interpreted worldwide as a gesture of atonement for the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany during World War II, particularly against the Jewish people and the Polish nation. It was a crucial moment in West Germany's "Ostpolitik" (Eastern Policy), contributing significantly to reconciliation and the normalization of relations with Eastern Bloc countries. The image of Brandt kneeling became an enduring symbol of peace, reconciliation, and Germany's confrontation with its past.

Design Elements:

National Side (Obverse of the commemorative): The design, created by artist Bodo Broschat, powerfully depicts the iconic moment of the "Warsaw Genuflection." It features a detailed image of Willy Brandt kneeling in front of the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes. The monument's imposing presence is clearly visible in the background. The design also subtly incorporates elements of the memorial's steps, emphasizing the solemnity of the act. The inscription "50 JAHRE KNIEFALL VON WARSCHAU" (50 Years of Warsaw Genuflection) is placed at the top. The year "2020" is at the bottom, and the mint mark (A, D, F, G, or J for Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, or Hamburg, respectively) is located to the lower right. The artist's initials are also included. The twelve stars of the European Union are arranged on the outer ring of the coin.

Common Side (Reverse of the commemorative): The common reverse side of all 2 Euro coins features a geographical map of Europe, signifying the unity of the continent without internal borders. The large numeral "2" indicates the coin's denomination, with "EURO" written below it. The designer's initials, "LL" (Luc Luycx), are also visible.

Composition and Specifications:

Country: Federal Republic of Germany

Year of Issue: 2020

Denomination: 2 Euro

Composition: Bimetallic (outer ring: Copper-Nickel; inner core: Nickel Brass clad Nickel)

Weight: 8.5 grams

Diameter: 25.75 mm

Quality: Uncirculated (UNC) – intended for general circulation but also available in rolls or sets in this condition for collectors. Proof (PP) quality versions were also minted in much lower quantities.

Mintage: The total mintage for this coin in UNC quality across all five German mints was 30,000,000 pieces (6,000,000 per mint mark).

Artist: Bodo Broschat (National side design)

Release Date: September 1, 2020.