Theme:
 
1972, Germany,10 Mark, Silver Coin – Olympic Flame & Rings – XX Olympiad Munich – UNC
 
This commemorative coin from West Germany honors the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, a moment of global unity and modernist optimism. The design features the Olympic flame, five interlocking rings, and a radiant sunburst, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Games. The inscription encircling the motif reads:
“SPIELE DER XX. OLYMPIADE MÜNCHEN”
with the year “1972” split on either side of the rings.
 
Struck in .625 silver, this coin is part of a four-coin series issued to celebrate the event. It reflects the bold visual identity of the Munich Olympics—an era defined by clean lines, vibrant energy, and a hopeful post-war vision.
 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.