2017 Germany Copper-Nickel 2017 Germany Copper-Nickel Tropical Zone UNC UNC

Climate Zones of the Earth" Series: This is a groundbreaking five-part series of 5 Euro collector coins launched by Germany, known for its innovative use of a translucent polymer ring. It followed the globally acclaimed 2016 "Planet Earth" 5 Euro coin. The series aims to illustrate different global climate zones, with the color of the polymer ring changing each year to represent the temperature scale of the zone.

2017 Issue: "Tropical Zone": This was the first coin in the series, representing the Tropical Zone, characterized by its red polymer ring, symbolizing the high temperatures of this climate.

Coin Details:

Year of Issue: 2017

Country: Germany

Denomination: 5 Euro

Commemorative Subject: "Tropical Zone" (Tropische Zone) as part of the "Climate Zones of the Earth" series.

Composition: Tri-metallic. It consists of:

An inner core of copper-nickel alloy.

A translucent red polymer ring in the middle.

An outer ring of copper-nickel alloy.

Weight: 9 grams

Diameter: 27.25 mm

Condition: UNC (Uncirculated). This means the coin is in brilliant, as-new condition, exactly as it left the mint. It has not been used in circulation and retains its original mint luster. While generally flawless, UNC coins can occasionally have minor contact marks or imperfections from the automated minting and handling processes due to mass production. These coins were primarily distributed through Bundesbank branches at face value.

Design Description:

Obverse (National Side): The design, by artist Stefanie Radtke from Leipzig, offers a captivating bird's-eye view into the dense canopy of a tropical rainforest. A parrot is dynamically depicted in flight, symbolizing the rich biodiversity of the tropics. The placement of the inscription "TROPISCHE ZONE" is intentionally off-center, contributing to the coin's modern and dynamic aesthetic. The red polymer ring frames the central motif, effectively creating a sense of transition into the open space of the coin and enhancing its visual appeal.

The specific mint mark (A, D, F, G, or J) would be present on the coin, subtly integrated into the design. Each German mint produces this coin, and there can be subtle variations in the shade of the red polymer ring between mints.

Reverse (Common German Side): This side features a stylized representation of the German Federal Eagle (Bundesadler), a powerful and traditional emblem of Germany.

Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions: "BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND" (Federal Republic of Germany), the denomination "5 EURO", and the year "2017".

The 12 stars of the European Union are distributed around the outer ring.

Edge Inscription: The coin's smooth edge is embossed with the series motto: "KLIMAZONEN DER ERDE" (Climate Zones of the Earth).

Mintage (UNC Quality):

For the 2017 "Tropical Zone" 5 Euro coin, approximately 2 million pieces were minted in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) quality across all five German mints for general circulation. (An additional 300,000 were minted in Proof quality for collectors).