New 2 Euro Coin: Commemoration of the Cradle of German Democracy
by Sebastian Wieschowski
Collectors of 2 euro coins finally have new material to add to their collections – and the commemorative coin that was released on March 21 has the potential to become the coin of the year: The Federal Republic of Germany honors the 175th anniversary of the Paulskirche Constitution – a significant milestone in German history.
In 1848, revolutionary unrest shook Europe, with Germany also being swept by a wave of democratic movements. People demanded political reforms and a constitutional monarchy. As a result, on May 18, 1848, the so-called Vorparlament was convened to lay the foundations for a national constitution. The National Assembly, which met after the Vorparlament, gathered in the Paulskirche – a symbolically charged location known for its historical significance and its role as the cradle of German democracy. Under the leadership of significant figures such as Friedrich Daniel Bassermann, Heinrich von Gagern, and Robert Blum, the Paulskirche Constitution was drafted and proclaimed on March 28, 1849.
The Paulskirche Constitution was groundbreaking as it represented a progressive and liberal constitution for a future German nation-state. It envisioned the unity of Germany as a constitutional monarchy and guaranteed basic civil rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, and equality before the law. However, the constitution could not be implemented as it was rejected by the ruling monarchs of the German states. Nevertheless, the Paulskirche Constitution remains a significant symbol of the struggle for democracy and national unity in Germany.
By issuing a 2 euro coin commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Paulskirche Constitution, the Federal Republic honors this historical achievement and reminds of the importance of democracy and civil rights – a particularly poignant gesture in 2024, as this year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Federal Republic of Germany. The national side of the 2 euro coin, designed by artist Bodo Broschat from Berlin, depicts the historic Paulskirche with the entrance of the constitutional National Assembly. In the background, the constitutional document is visible with a quill pen, accompanied by allegories of unity, justice, and freedom, as well as the German tricolor. The sculptural representation conveys a timeless message about the significance of democratic principles shaped by the Paulskirche Constitution.
The Paulskirche is no stranger to German coins: It was featured on the 2 euro commemorative coin in 2015 as part of the federal states series representing the state of Hesse – that year also marked the 25th anniversary of German reunification. In 2020, the Paulskirche was immortalized on the first of three gold coins commemorating the pillars of democracy.
To the delight of 2 euro collectors, the Federal Republic of Germany increasingly uses circulating commemorative coins to honor and commemorate important events and personalities in German history. For example, a 2 euro commemorative coin was issued for the 25th anniversary of German reunification (2015) and one for the 100th birthday of Helmut Schmidt (2018). Like all other euro countries, Germany is allowed to issue two commemorative "twos" per year, one of which is reserved for the federal states series, and in the case of a Europe-wide joint issue, the maximum number of circulating commemorative motifs for the year increases to three.
Sebastian Wieschowski has been collecting coins since childhood and, after working as a journalist with a focus on finance and economy, has switched his focus on coins and precious since 2012. He is the author of several self-published books on Bullion Coins, Panda Coins, Fake Coins and Coin Grading and works for numismatic magazines. He is also a recurring expert on the German television program Münzengalerie (Coin Gallery), the longest running numismatic television show in the world. You can find out more about his work at coinosseur.com
