Obverse:
Displays the Federal Eagle, the emblem of the Federal Republic of Germany, surrounded by the inscriptions “BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND 1976” and “5 DEUTSCHE MARK.” The design by Reinhart Heinsdorff maintains the clean, official style typical of FRG issues.

Reverse:
Features a stylized depiction inspired by Simplicissimus, Grimmelshausen’s satirical picaresque novel about the chaos of the Thirty Years’ War. The composition includes mythical and allegorical elements that symbolize the absurdity and tragedy of war, along with the author’s name and life dates: “1621–1676 HANS JACOB CHRISTOPH VON GRIMMELSHAUSEN.”

Specifications:

• Composition: Silver (.625)

• Weight: 11.2 g

• Diameter: 29 mm

• Thickness: 2.07 mm

• Edge: Inscribed – “DER ABENTEUERLICHE SIMPLICISSIMUS”

• Alignment: Medal (0°)

• Mint mark: D (Munich)

• Mintage: 7,750,000

• Shape: Round

• Designer: Reinhart Heinsdorff

Historical Insight:
Hans Jakob Christoph von Grimmelshausen (1621–1676) is best known for his masterpiece “Der abenteuerliche Simplicissimus,” a novel portraying the brutal realities of the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) through the eyes of a naïve protagonist. The book became a cornerstone of German Baroque literature and remains one of the earliest examples of social and political satire in European fiction. By issuing this coin in 1976, West Germany celebrated not only a literary genius but also the enduring humanist message of resilience amid chaos.

Collecting Note:
The 1976 “D” 5 Mark coin is prized among FRG commemoratives for its literary and cultural significance. The engraved edge quote from Simplicissimus and the artistic reverse design make it a standout for collectors who appreciate coins themed around literature, mythology, and historical figures.