Germany 20 Euro 2017 Running Machine Karl Drais

The year 1817 is a milestone for cyclists. In that year (1817) the German Karl Drais applied for the patent of the so-called æwalking machineÆ. It was unique in that this vehicle moved with two in-line wheels. The bicycle was born! At that time the vehicle was also called the Draisine. At the same time that Karl Drais applied for his patent the volcano Tambora erupted in Indonesia. This disaster resulted in poor harvests and deterioration of the health of the population. Horses could no longer be used and Drais's walking machine was an innovative replacement. To commemorate the development of the prototype of the bicycle 200 years ago, Germany has issued a special 20 Euro coin. On the coin is a rider of the first walking machine. In addition, a horse-drawn carriage can be seen to indicate that the bicycle became the replacement of the horse. At the top of the coin is the silhouette of a volcanic eruption. At the bottom of the coin is the year 1817. Around the image is the text æLaufmaschine von Karl DraisÆ. On the reverse of the coin is the Bundesadler (German eagle). In addition, the value of 20 Euro and the country of Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Federal Republic of Germany) are shown. The coin is struck in Karlsruhe (G). The currency's border text is 200 JAHRE ZWEIRADPRINZIP (200 years Two-Wheel Principle).