Germany €50 2017. 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Gold Proof

 The 500 years of the Reformation, is being commemorated by the Federal Republic of Germany with the issue of a 50-euro gold coin for the first time. A coin of this size and nominal, has not previously existed in Germany.

 

The main design element is the "Luther Rose."  The Luther Rose is one of the most famous symbols of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1530 at the Veste Coburg, Elector Johann Friedrich I gave Luther  a signet ring with this rose petal, in the middle of which a cross is framed by a heart. The designer, artist Adelheid Fuss said "The Luther Rose is an important symbol of Martin Luther's theology and thus the importance of the Reformation is convincingly portrayed on this coin." 

 

The reverse shows an eagle, the lettering "FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY", value and value denomination, the year 2017, the twelve stars of Europe and - depending on the mint, the mintmark "A" (Berlin), "D" (Munich), "F" ( Stuttgart), "G" (Karlsruhe) or "J" (Hamburg).