Theme:
10 Deutsche Mark – Munich Olympics 1972 – Games of the XX Olympiad in Munich
This is one of six commemorative designs issued by West Germany for the Games of the XX Olympiad in Munich. Each design was minted by four different mints (D, F, G, J), resulting in 24 variants total.
This German10 Mark coin honors the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich from August 26 to September 10. The obverse features a striking abstract design of the Olympic stadium, with radiating lines that evoke both motion and celebration—an artistic nod to the spirit of the Games. The inscription reads:
“OLYMPISCHE SPIELE MÜNCHEN 26.8.–10.9 1972”
Crafted in silver, this coin belongs to a series issued by West Germany to commemorate the event. Its modernist aesthetic reflects the design ethos of the Munich Olympics, which emphasized innovation, openness, and optimism in post-war Germany.
Specification:
- Country: West Germany
- Year: 1972
- Denomination: 10 Deutsche Mark
- Design Name: Two Athletes Kneeling
- Series: Munich Olympics 1972
- Composition: 62.5% Silver
- Weight: 15.5 g
- Diameter: 32.5 mm
- Edge Inscription: CITIUS – ALTIUS – FORTIUS (Faster – Higher – Stronger)
- Designer: Greta Lippl-Heinsen
- Mints: D (Munich), F (Stuttgart), G (Karlsruhe), J (Hamburg)
- Total Mintage (all variants): ~10,000,000 coins
Please note: Over time, the silver develops a natural patina—a soft veil of oxidation that enhances its character. Far from diminishing its value, the patina tells a story: it marks the passage of decades, adds depth to the engraved figures.