Polymer Coins

Visible security

The State Mints of Baden-Wuerttemberg were leaders in the development of the polymer coin, which possesses a whole new level of security. Not only is the polymer ring a visible security feature for each user, with the addition of nano-pigments it can also serve as a covert security feature. Thus, for the first time, coins can be produced that are as difficult to forge as banknotes.

The new type of high-capacity material has been certified by the Rhineland-Westphalian Technical College (RWTH) in Aachen. Its special properties include conductivity, chemical resistance and durability in the face of temperature variation, UV radiation and water. The material is characterised by its high suitability for minting and retains the transparent clarity of a thermoplastic polymer even after it has been struck.

polymer joining machine from Schuler Pressen GmbH — © Schuler Pressen GmbH

Lower production costs thanks to longer life expectancy

The polymer coin is an innovation that makes raising the note / coin boundary both possible and logical. That means huge potential savings for central banks, since producing polymer coins, assessed on the length of time that they remain in circulation, is significantly cheaper than printing banknotes, but with the same level of security.

Polymer technology is tried and tested. On 14 April 2016, approx. 2 million 5 euro commemorative coins produced using polymer technology were issued to the German public at face value. Theoretically, these coins can enter circulation in Germany. However, so popular are they among collectors that they cannot be found in circulation and at auction often achieve prices greatly in excess of their face value.

Assistant Undersecretary Walter Leibold mints the first 5-euro collector coin “Subtropical Climate Zone”

Polymer Coin Wins IACA Award for Best Coin Innovation

‘I consider this a real innovation’

VISIBLE SECURITY
FOR THE USER

Thanks to its bright polymer ring,
anyone can immediately see that
the coin is not counterfeit.

AS SECURE AS A
BANKNOTE

The addition of nano-pigments means
that the polymer ring acts as a
covert security feature. This makes
a coin as secure as a banknote
for the very first time in history.

A CERTIFIED
HIGH-CAPACITY MATERIAL

The polymer is electrically conductive and
chemically resistant. It is durable in the face
of temperature variation, UV rays and water.

MORE DURABLE THAN
ANY BANKNOTE

A polymer coin is far more durable than any
banknote. This offers – if you think of its time
in circulation – a huge opportunity for savings.

PROVEN TECHNOLOGY

On 14 April 2016, approx. 2 million 5 euro
commemorative coins produced using
polymer technology were issued to the
German public.

AWARD RECIPIENT

Tribute was paid to this technology at the
Mint Directors' Conference. In 2016, the first
German polymer coin received the MDC
award for the most innovative circulation coin.

The numismatic press had the following to say about the first German polymer coin:

“Anyhow, this commemorative coin is not just a commemorative coin but a milestone in the development of minting technology. There is a good chance that the “tri-material coin”, as this innovation is often called, will spread as quickly as the bi-metal coin that has become an integral part of modern coinage.”

The State Mints of Baden-Wuerttemberg naturally also produce polymer coins on behalf of foreign central banks. We’d be delighted to hear from you if you need further advice on how polymer coins can make a meaningful addition to your country’s suite of denominations.

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