20 Euro Native Birds Owl 1/8oz Gold 2018 (J)
🇩🇪 20 Euro Native Birds – Eagle Owl 2018 (J) – 1/8 oz Gold Coin – Expressive nocturnal bird motif in fine design
The 20 euro gold coin “Native Birds – Eagle Owl” (Heimische Vögel – Uhu) from 2018 is part of a German series dedicated to selected bird species, presenting their characteristic appearance in a clear and reduced design. The eagle owl is one of the largest native owl species and represents calmness, vigilance, and nocturnal presence within the series. The issue with the mint mark “J” was struck at the mint in Hamburg and can therefore be clearly identified.
The obverse (design side) shows the eagle owl in an upright seated position. The bird is depicted frontally, making the striking eyes, strong body shape, and characteristic ear tufts clearly visible. The structure of the plumage is rendered in fine lines, giving the design a calm sense of depth. The composition appears cohesive and focuses on the distinctive appearance of the bird. Surrounding inscriptions include “UHU” and the year 2018, clearly integrated into the overall design.
The reverse (value side) features the federal eagle, the emblem of the Federal Republic of Germany. The depiction is stylized and clearly executed, with calm line work and balanced form. Surrounding inscriptions include “BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND”, the denomination 20 EURO, and the mint mark “J”. The even distribution of elements creates a structured overall composition.
The strike is fine and precise. The details of the feather structure and the contours of the eagle are cleanly modeled and clearly separated. Light moves smoothly across the gold surface, subtly emphasizing the design elements. The combination of smooth and textured areas gives the coin a balanced relief depth.
The coin is made of 1/8 ounce of fine gold (3.89 g) with a purity of .9999 gold. The material exhibits a warm, even luster that enhances the clear line work and highlights the details of the strike. With a diameter of approximately 17.5 mm and a thickness of about 1.2 mm, the coin has compact and well-balanced proportions.
The design combines the depiction of a nocturnal bird with clear state symbolism. While the eagle owl creates a calm presence through its frontal depiction, the federal eagle complements the coin with its official function. The line work remains consistently precise and restrained.
Within the “Native Birds” series, the eagle owl holds a special position. Its depiction appears both powerful and calm, with the focus on gaze and posture giving the motif a distinct sense of depth.
Overall, this issue represents a precise and calm interpretation of a distinctive bird. The combination of clear design, fine minting, and the mint mark “J” gives the coin a coherent and timeless appearance.
| Metal | Gold |
| Form | Gold Coin |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Issuer | Hamburgische Münze |
| Manufacturer | Verkaufsstelle für Sammlermünzen der BRD |
| Series | 20 Euro Native Birds |
| Purity | 999.9/1000 |
| Fineweight | 3.89 gram |
| Gross Weight | 3.89 gram |
| Denomination (oz) | 1/8 oz |
| Year of issue | 2018 |
| Grade | Brilliant |
| Condition | Circulated |
| Face value | 20 Euro |
| Thickness | 1.15 mm |
| Diameter | 17.50 mm |
| Mintage | 40000 |
| Packaging | Capsule with Certificate |
| Packaging Unit | Set 6 Coins with certificate in Coin Etui |