Münze

Münze is the German word for a coin, a small, round metal disc that functions as money or as a token. Coins are produced by official authorities and are used in everyday transactions as well as in various symbolic and commemorative contexts. The term also appears in numismatics to refer to individual coins from different eras and places.

Historically, coins were minted by rulers and city-states to assert authority, facilitate trade, and circulate wealth. In the German-speaking world, coinage has evolved from medieval and early modern mintage under various authorities to the national currencies of the 19th and 20th centuries, culminating in the euro system adopted by Germany in 2002. Coins carry designs that reflect political, cultural, or historical themes and may include inscriptions, portraits, or heraldic symbols.

In modern Germany, circulating coins are part of the euro system. They are produced by official minting authorities and issued in standard denominations with common obverse designs and a national side that bears a state-specific mark or emblem. Materials typically include copper-nickel and other alloys, with security features and durability suited to daily handling. In addition to circulating coins, many countries, including Germany, produce commemorative and bullion coins aimed at collectors and investors.

Collecting and study of coins fall under numismatics. Münzen can be valued for their metal content, rarity, historical significance, and minting details. Before the euro, Germany used the Deutsche Mark with pfennig coins; today, euro coins remain both a practical currency and a popular area for collecting.