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CC 124 2012
Coin set
BU
BU Mint Set
Germany · Bavaria, Schloss Neuschwanstein
Mintage205,000
Issue price€12.00
Issue date3 Feb 2012
PackagingCoin set
Edge letteringEINIGKEIT UND RECHT UND FREIHEIT + Federal Eagle
Price of the set (2 coins)€49.00
Mintage information from source: 45000 | 40000
Varieties
5Germany, A · A · Mint mark A · BU · Coin set · Mintage 45,000
Germany, D · D · Mint mark D · BU · Coin set · Mintage 40,000
Germany, F · F · Mint mark F · BU · Coin set · Mintage 40,000
Germany, G · G · Mint mark G · BU · Coin set · Mintage 40,000
Germany, J · J · Mint mark J · BU · Coin set · Mintage 40,000
Issue occasion
The commemorative coin is dedicated to Bayern as part of the “Bundesländer” series. The design by Erich Ott depicts Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein) from an eastern perspective, with the gatehouse, the medieval-style towers and turrets, and the mountain panorama above the Pöllat Gorge (Pöllatschlucht). The inscription “BAYERN” establishes the connection with the Free State.
The design
The commemorative coin “Bayern” was designed by Erich Ott and depicts the famous Schloss Neuschwanstein from its best-known perspective. The coin design corresponds to the view afforded to visitors as they ascend to the castle from the east—with the gatehouse in the foreground and the medieval-style towers and decorative turrets. The mountain panorama behind the castle conveys an impression of its location on a rocky elevation above the romantic Pöllatschlucht. The name “BAYERN” establishes the connection between the depicted Schloss Neuschwanstein and the Free State. On the right edge of the inner part of the coin is the mark of the respective mint (A, D, F, G or J), and on the left edge are the artist’s initials.
The outer ring of the coin features the twelve stars of the flag of the European Union. Between the stars, the year “2012” appears at the bottom and the issuing country “D” at the top.
The outer ring of the coin features the twelve stars of the flag of the European Union. Between the stars, the year “2012” appears at the bottom and the issuing country “D” at the top.
Background on the topic
Schloss Neuschwanstein is not a medieval castle, but a 19th-century building in the Historicist style. King Ludwig II of Bavaria had it built near Hohenschwangau from 1869 onward. It was intended to serve as his private retreat and, at the same time, embody an idealized world of medieval chivalry. Among the models were the Wartburg as well as stage designs and legendary subjects that were also taken up in Richard Wagner’s operas. Ludwig II was a patron and admirer of the composer.
The first designs came from the stage painter Christian Jank; architects and building officials implemented them structurally and revised them. Behind the historicist appearance was contemporary technology, including a warm-air heating system, running water and electric call systems. Numerous murals refer to legends of knights and the Holy Grail. One of the best-known interior designs is the Singers’ Hall, whose conception was based on rooms in the Wartburg.
Ludwig II occupied parts of the castle even though the complex had not yet been completed. After his incapacitation and death in 1886, the work largely came to an end. Several planned structural elements were never executed. Shortly after the king’s death, the previously private castle was opened to visitors. The revenue was also intended to help repay the debts incurred through Ludwig’s building projects.
The German coin series “Bundesländer” was generally based on the order in which the Länder assumed the presidency of the Bundesrat. For each Land, a building or landmark was selected that enabled a direct geographical and cultural attribution. Neuschwanstein was suitable for this purpose because it is closely associated with the Bavarian monarchy, the cultural history of the 19th century and the present-day public image of Bavaria. The castle is owned by the Free State and is administered by the Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung.
The first designs came from the stage painter Christian Jank; architects and building officials implemented them structurally and revised them. Behind the historicist appearance was contemporary technology, including a warm-air heating system, running water and electric call systems. Numerous murals refer to legends of knights and the Holy Grail. One of the best-known interior designs is the Singers’ Hall, whose conception was based on rooms in the Wartburg.
Ludwig II occupied parts of the castle even though the complex had not yet been completed. After his incapacitation and death in 1886, the work largely came to an end. Several planned structural elements were never executed. Shortly after the king’s death, the previously private castle was opened to visitors. The revenue was also intended to help repay the debts incurred through Ludwig’s building projects.
The German coin series “Bundesländer” was generally based on the order in which the Länder assumed the presidency of the Bundesrat. For each Land, a building or landmark was selected that enabled a direct geographical and cultural attribution. Neuschwanstein was suitable for this purpose because it is closely associated with the Bavarian monarchy, the cultural history of the 19th century and the present-day public image of Bavaria. The castle is owned by the Free State and is administered by the Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung.