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CC 15 2006
Coin set
Proof
Coin set proof
Germany · Schleswig-Holstein, Holstentor
Mintage375,630
Issue price€22.00
Issue date3 Feb 2006
PackagingCoin set
Edge letteringEINIGKEIT UND RECHT UND FREIHEIT + Federal Eagle
Market price€39.00
Mintage information from source: 75150 | 75120
Varieties
5Germany, A · A · Mint mark A · Proof · Coin set · Mintage 75,150
Germany, D · D · Mint mark D · Proof · Coin set · Mintage 75,120
Germany, F · F · Mint mark F · Proof · Coin set · Mintage 75,120
Germany, G · G · Mint mark G · Proof · Coin set · Mintage 75,120
Germany, J · J · Mint mark J · Proof · Coin set · Mintage 75,120
Issue occasion
The commemorative coin is dedicated to Schleswig-Holstein. The design shows the Holstentor as the landmark of the city of Lübeck; “Schleswig-Holstein” is inscribed below it. The engraver’s initials “HH”, the mint mark, the year of minting, twelve stars and the inscription “Bundesrepublik Deutschland” are also shown.
The design
The inner part of the coin shows a depiction of the “Holstentor” as a landmark of the city of Lübeck. The inscription “Schleswig-Holstein” appears below the gate at the lower edge of the inner part of the coin. The engraver’s initials “HH” are located to the right of the coin design. To the left of the coin design is the mint mark, i.e. the letter “A”, “D”, “F”, “G” or “J”. Twelve stars are arranged in a semicircle on the upper outer ring of the coin, interrupted in the middle by the minting year “2006”. The inscription “Bundesrepublik Deutschland” forms a semicircle on the lower outer ring.
Background on the topic
The issue launched the German 2-euro series “Bundesländer” in 2006. In this series, each of the 16 Länder was to be represented by a characteristic building. The sequence was generally based on the rotating presidency of the Bundesrat. Schleswig-Holstein held the presidency of the Bundesrat during the relevant period and therefore stood at the beginning of the series. The coin thus had not only a regional connection but also a federal political background: the Bundesrat represents the Länder in the legislation and administration of the Federation as well as in matters concerning the European Union.
The Holstentor was built in the 15th century as part of Lübeck’s fortifications. It secured the western landward access to the city in the direction of Holstein. The late Gothic brick structure consists of two round towers and a gate building between them. Its massive walls and gun openings facing the outside served a defensive purpose. At the same time, the elaborately designed complex demonstrated Lübeck’s economic and political aspirations.
These aspirations were based above all on Lübeck’s position in Hanseatic trade. The city was a central transshipment point between the North and Baltic Seas and played a leading role within the Hanse. Through its merchants and trade connections, salt, grain, fish, timber, cloth and other goods, among others, reached various regions of Europe. The brick Gothic style typical of northern Germany shaped numerous churches, town halls and fortifications in the Baltic region.
In the 19th century, large parts of Lübeck’s fortifications were demolished because they had become militarily obsolete and obstructed the city’s development. The preservation of the gate was also disputed for a time. In 1937, Lübeck lost its state independence through the Groß-Hamburg-Gesetz and was incorporated into the Prussian province of Schleswig-Holstein. After the Second World War, this became the present-day Land. The building thus connects Lübeck’s independent Hanseatic past with its later affiliation to Schleswig-Holstein.
The Holstentor was built in the 15th century as part of Lübeck’s fortifications. It secured the western landward access to the city in the direction of Holstein. The late Gothic brick structure consists of two round towers and a gate building between them. Its massive walls and gun openings facing the outside served a defensive purpose. At the same time, the elaborately designed complex demonstrated Lübeck’s economic and political aspirations.
These aspirations were based above all on Lübeck’s position in Hanseatic trade. The city was a central transshipment point between the North and Baltic Seas and played a leading role within the Hanse. Through its merchants and trade connections, salt, grain, fish, timber, cloth and other goods, among others, reached various regions of Europe. The brick Gothic style typical of northern Germany shaped numerous churches, town halls and fortifications in the Baltic region.
In the 19th century, large parts of Lübeck’s fortifications were demolished because they had become militarily obsolete and obstructed the city’s development. The preservation of the gate was also disputed for a time. In 1937, Lübeck lost its state independence through the Groß-Hamburg-Gesetz and was incorporated into the Prussian province of Schleswig-Holstein. After the Second World War, this became the present-day Land. The building thus connects Lübeck’s independent Hanseatic past with its later affiliation to Schleswig-Holstein.