As part of its Christmas series, Germany’s Federal Government has decided to mint a €50 collector coin entitled “The Magi”, to be issued at 5 November 2026. The Christmas series, launched in 2021, is dedicated to one of the most important Christian celebrations that is deeply rooted in Germany’s culture and customs.

Within the Christian tradition, the Magi are the stargazers or “wise men” mentioned in the nativity story as told in the Gospel according to Matthew. They followed the Star of Bethlehem to find the baby Jesus.

The coin is made of fine silver (Ag 999) and will be plate-shaped (meaning that the picture side features a concave curvature to make the motif appear more three-dimensional). The coin has a diameter of 30 mm, weighs 22 g and will be available both in mint condition and with a proof-like finish. The mint condition coins will be brought into circulation at their face value (€50). The collector quality coins with a proof-like finish will be higher than their face value and will be issue by the Münze Deutschland (Germany’s official sales agency for collector coins).

The coin was designed by Christian Dögerl, an artist based in Marquartstein.

The Magi stand in the middle of the picture side, gathered around the Christ Child, who is lying in the manger. Two dromedaries are depicted in the background. The Star of Bethlehem, complete with tail, hangs in the space above the scene. Arched around the top of the coin face are the words “Heilige Drei Könige” (the Magi). The design features an interesting three-way split in terms of technique: the wise men and the baby Jesus are finely detailed, while the two dromedaries in the background have a two-dimensional quality, creating a sense of distance. Rendered in outline relief, the tailed star in the sky is picked out as significant. The piece impresses with its intricate design, which – despite the richness of the composition – manages to avoid seeming overloaded.

The reverse features an eagle, the words “BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND”, the value and denomination, the letter “D” for the Bavarian State Mint in Munich, the year 2025 (the issuance was originally planed for last year) and the twelve stars of Europe.

The edge of the coin is smooth and has no structure.