Obverse (shown) — features the Holstentor (Holstein Gate) in Lübeck, one of the most iconic medieval city gates in Germany. Inscriptions: “SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN” at the bottom, “BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND” on the outer ring, year “2006” at the top, mint mark “D” on the left and designer’s initials “HH” on the right of the inner disc.
Reverse (standard EU side) — features the numeral “2 EURO” with the EU map and 12 stars.
The Holstentor, built between 1464 and 1478, served as the western city gate of Lübeck and is one of the finest examples of North German Brick Gothic architecture. It once appeared on the German 50 Deutsche Mark banknote. Together with the historic merchant city of Lübeck, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The gate’s two distinctive round towers leaning slightly inward due to the soft marshy ground beneath them make it instantly recognizable.