Issued on 12 June 2003 by the Federal Republic of Germany, this 10 Euro silver coin (.925) commemorates the half-century anniversary of the East German workers' uprising of 17 June 1953. Designed by Hans-Joachim Dobler and minted at Berlin (A), it features stylized tank tracks and protest slogans on the reverse, symbolizing resistance for democracy and freedom. A meaningful historic and collectible piece for numismatists and historians alike.

Specifications

• Denomination: €10 (non-circulating commemorative)

• Year: 2003 (KM 226) 

• Metal: Sterling silver (925/1000)

• Weight: 18 g (≈0.535 oz fine silver) 

• Diameter: 32.5 mm

• Thickness: 2.62 mm

• Edge: Plain, inscribed “ERINNERUNG AN DEN VOLKSAUFSTAND IN DER DDR”

• Orientation: Medal alignment (↕)

• Obverse Design: Federal eagle with “10 EURO”, date "2003", stars, and “BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND” (mint mark “A”) 

• Reverse Design: Iconic tank treads and slogans: "STREIK", "NIEDER MIT DEN NORMEN", "RÜCKTRITT DER REGIERUNG", "FREIE GEHEIME WAHLEN", "DEMOKRATIE", "FREIHEIT", with text “50 JAHRE 17. JUNI 1953”

Mintage & Editions

• Uncirculated (standard): 2,050,000 pieces 

• Proof (mirror finish): 350,000 pieces

Collectible Significance

• Honors the significant 1953 uprising for freedom and democracy in East Germany—memorialized across many German collections and exhibits 

• Designed with evocative imagery and slogans, offering historical depth and striking visual impact.

• Available in both UNC and Proof versions, sought-after by collectors of DDR history, protest symbolism, and silver commemoratives.