Germany. New Silver Coins Highlight European Capital City of Culture in Chemnitz

Since 1985, the European Commission has awarded the title of European Capital of Culture annually and for 2025, an engaging city in Germany is so honoured. Chemnitz, in Saxony, eastern Germany is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and a technology centre with a focus on the automotive and automotive supply industries, information technology, and mechanical engineering. The city's eventful history and its contrasts between tradition and modernity are also reflected in its urban development.

Buildings in the Bauhaus and New Objectivity styles can be found, as well as the Kaßberg, Europe's largest contiguous Art Nouveau district. In addition to residential and industrial architecture from the Wilhelminian period - between 1890 and 1918, post-World War II East-Germany-era and contemporary architecture also characterise the cityscape. The city's economic success story is driven by research institutions such as the Technical University and various Fraunhofer Institutes, as well as by medium-sized, mostly family-run companies. Chemnitz also boasts extensive offerings for art and culture lovers, including the Chemnitz Art Collections and the Gunzenhauser Museum with an impressive collection of classical modernism, the Saxon Industrial Museum and the Saxon State Theatre, as well as the Robert Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra. Places like the Schlossteich (castle pond) with the adjacent Küchwald Park and the historic Stadtpark along the Chemnitz River provide peace and relaxation.

Under the celebratory motto C THE UNSEEN, the European Capital of Culture is ready to offer a broad and diverse program to explore the hidden beauty and untold stories of this city and its region, an often overlooked periphery in the heart of Europe. Chemnitz invites residents and visitors alike to discover new perspectives and get involved in a variety of ways. Because doing things together creates a better sense of community, the city aims to actively bring people together in many areas whether in crafts, technology, art, culture, sports, or community values.

The UNC and proof quality coins are produced by the Hamburgische Münze on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. Designed by artist Hagen Täuscher from Berlin, his detailed depiction of the city's diversity includes typical motifs and landmarks, tracing over 200 years of artistic, cultural, and industrial history. Arranged in twelve circular segments on the outer edge of the coin, nine landmarks form the letter C representing Chemnitz. In the centre of the design, a section of the northern city limits is highlighted in relief and bears the 2025 campaign logo and text CHEMNITZ - KULTURHAUPTSTADT EUROPAS. The arrangement of twelve five-pointed stars places Chemnitz at the centre of Europe – a clear and bold statement of European identity. The reverse side depicts a stylised eagle which is centred with the issuer BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND shown along the upper rim and the denomination of 20 EURO placed along the lower rim. Also along the lower rim and on either side of the denomination are six five-pointed stars denoting the European Union. Above the stars on the left is the year of issue 2025 and on the right side is the coins’ fineness SILBER 925. Just under the eagle’s right talon isthe ‘J’ mintmark denoting the Hamburg Mint. The coins include an incused inscription on the edge which reads C THE UNSEEN ● on both UNC and proof quality strikes.

Available from the 15^th May, the Brilliant Uncirculated pieces are available for their face value at leading commercial banks and post office counters. The proof-quality collector’s edition is encapsulated and presented in a folder which is available by visiting the e-webshop of Munze Deutschland. 

*Towards the end of the year, the entire €20 coin collection consisting of four 2023-dated pieces will be available in proof quality and as a set presented in an official blister-pak type folder.