2006 Germany €2 UNC "Holsten Gate" in Capsule

• Mint: All 5 German Mints
• Denomination: €2
• Quality: Uncirculated
• Issue limit: 30.825 million pcs.
• Alloy: Base Metal
• Diameter: 25.75 mm
• Weight: 8.5 grams
• Artist: Heinz Hoyer
• Edge inscription: EINIGKEIT UND RECHT UND FREIHEIT
• Box/Capsule: No/Yes
• Certificate: No

In 2006 Germany began issuing an annual series of 2 euro commemorative coins with one new design per year. The series of coins will reflect the rotation of the presidency of the “Bundesrat”, or the upper chamber of the National German Parliament. Thus, the coin for this year will feature the “Holstentor” the well known gate located in the northern city of Lübeck, in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, the current president of the upper chamber.

The reverse of the bi-metal coin shows a straight on view of the stout intricate gate constructed in the late Middle Ages. The gate is depicted in the inner yellow colored core. In the outer ring are the European stars as well as the year of issue, 2006. In the lower half of the outer ring is the country of issue, “Bundesrepublik Deutschland” or Federal Republic of Germany.

The gate was constructed between 1464 and 1478 during a period of “modernization” of the fortifications of this Hanseatic city. The complex timber frame and brick construction has some walls that are more than 11 feet thick. The gate was built on a somewhat marshy area that had been re-enforced, at the time, with additional soil. However, over the centuries it has sunken slightly on one side. A major restoration of the gate was undertaken in the 1860’s. From 1931 to 1933 further attempts to re-enforce the gate were undertaken by encircling the towers with iron rings anchored into the ground. The Holstentor has become the symbol of the city of Lübeck, as well as being depicted on many products produced in the area, such as the delectable Marzipan treats manufactured there. The Holstentor used to also be found on the 50 German mark circulating banknote as well as numerous stamps from Germany.