The German government has decided to mint a €20 commemorative coin marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of Immanuel Kant (22 April 1724 – 12 February 1804), recognised as the most important philosopher of the modern era, to be issued from 11 April 2024.

The coin is made of sterling silver (alloy Ag 925). It weighs 18 g, has a diameter of 32.5 mm and will be made available both in mint condition and with a proof-like finish. The mint condition coins will be brought into circulation at their face value (€20) by the Deutsche Bundesbank. The issue price of the collector quality coins with a proof-like finish, available from Münze Deutschland, will be higher than their face value.

The coin was designed by the Czech artist Martin Dašek from Stare Hradištĕ.

The picture side features the famous quotation “DER BESTIRNTE HIMMEL ÜBER MIR UND DAS MORALISCHE GESETZ IN MIR” (The starry heavens above me and the moral law within me) at the top and the philosopher’s name and birth and death dates at the bottom. At the centre of the coin there is a circular field depicting a starry firmament, broken by the unmistakable profile of Immanuel Kant, based on contemporaneous silhouettes. The quote combines two main aspects of Kantian thought: Linking the natural order to the structures of the human mind (“the starry heavens”) and the self-legislating role of human reason in moral law (the categorical imperative). The design uses a striking and original method of conveying the abstract ideas of Kantian thought in a clear and illustrative manner.

The reverse features an eagle framed by the words “BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND”, the value and denomination, the letter “J” for the Hamburg Mint, the year 2024, and the twelve stars of Europe. In addition, the words “SILBER 925” are embossed on the reverse. The coin’s smooth edge is embossed with the inscription: KRITIK VERNUNFT WÜRDE FRIEDE (CRITIQUE REASON DIGNITY PEACE).