Since the introduction of euro banknotes and coins, a number of German euro collector coins have been issued every year, which are only legal tender in Germany. Issues of these coins in mint condition can be purchased at all Bundesbank branches.

The Counterfeit Money Unit's task is to examine and store counterfeit money of any currency which is seized in Germany or confiscated by the police. We also check the authenticity of payment cards, securities, traveller's cheques and gold and silver coins which are legal tender. Another focal point of our work is to prevent the circulation of counterfeit money.

Germany’s economic substance and its pool of talent and entrepreneurial spirit are immense – these are qualities we can build on, Joachim Nagel stressed in an interview with the “Goslarsche Zeitung” newspaper to mark his speech at the 44th “Goslarsches Pancket”, a social gathering in the historic town of Goslar. Coming together and sharing views was more important than ever right now, given the significant uncertainty caused by the war in the Middle East, the Bundesbank President said. By pulling together, he argued, Europe could make the most of opportunities and thus emerge stronger from this difficult spell.

Bundesbank’s external position stood at €931 billion at the end of February 2026, with claims from the TARGET2 payment system worth €1017 billion making up around 63 % of total assets. These are followed by international reserves, comprising gold and foreign exchange reserves, including the special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which account for a total of 29 % of assets. At 86 %, issuance of euro cash accounted for the bulk of liabilities. Deposits of non-euro area residents amount to 5 % of foreign liabilities.

Bundesbank’s external position stood at €932 billion at the end of January 2026, with claims from the TARGET2 payment system worth €1033 billion making up around 64 % of total assets. These are followed by international reserves, comprising gold and foreign exchange reserves, including the special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which account for a total of 28 % of assets. At 86 %, issuance of euro cash accounted for the bulk of liabilities. Deposits of non-euro area residents amount to 7 % of foreign liabilities.

At a press conference today, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel and First Deputy Governor Sabine Mauderer presented the Bundesbank’s Annual Report for 2025. The loss for the year declined further in 2025, as expected. In view of a significant improvement in profitability, the Bundesbank reported a loss for the year of €8.6 billion, Mr Nagel explained.

As expected, the Deutsche Bundesbank further reduced its loss for the year in 2025. In view of a significant improvement in profitability, the loss for the year fell by more than one-half compared with 2024 to €8.6 billion.