Germany 20 Euro 2017 Winckelmann

Johann Joachim Winckelmann (1717-1768) was a famous German archaeologist and art historian. As a young man, through his intelligence, he studied at various universities. He knew everything from Pompeii and Herculaneum. He also knew everything about Greek history despite the fact that he had never been to Greece. One of his most famous books is called Edle Einfalt und stille Grösse. In June 1768 Winckelmann visited Empress Maria Theresia in Vienna. On his return journey from Vienna, on June 8, 1768, he was murdered by Francesco Arcangeli. The reason for the murder was that Arcengili wanted to steal the money that Winckelmann had received from Maria Theresia. It is also possible that he was killed because he was homosexual. Because Winckelmann was born 300 years ago Germany has issued a special 20 euro coin. On this silver coin Winckelmann is portrayed looking to the left, just like the images of kings and queens on coins of that time. Encircling this image is the text "300 Geburgtstag Johann Joachim Winckelmann". At the bottom of the coin 1717 û 1768 is shown. On the reverse of this silver coin the Bundesadler (German eagle) is shown in stylistic harmony with the face of the coin. The country name Bundesrepublik Deutschland is also displayed. The 12 stars of Europe are shown to the left and right of the country name. At the bottom of the coin is the value of 20 Euro. Below the value, you can see the letter F, which indicates that the coin was struck in the Stuttgart mint. The edge of the coin is inscribed æEDLE EINFALT UND STILLE GRÖSSEÆ.