The series „Return of the Wild Animals“ focuses on species that were once nearly extinct in Germany but have successfully returned thanks to intensive conservation efforts. Depicted in a calm, forward-moving stride, Europe’s largest land mammal dominates the center of the coin, which was designed by Jasmin Lewis. Sharp silhouette contours contrast with tensely modeled body surfaces. The compositional horizon of the open landscape divides the coin in a harmonious way. Placed centrally in the lower area is the inverted inscription „Wisent“. The depiction of the eagle on the value side skillfully and subtly echoes the expansive imagery of the obverse.
The European bison (wisent) is considered a symbol of nature conservation in Europe. Once widespread across nearly all of Europe, it disappeared entirely from the wild in the 20th century due to intensive hunting and the destruction of its habitat. Only a few animals survived in zoos and wildlife reserves—they were the species’ last chance.
In one of Europe’s most successful reintroduction projects, the wisent was bred in a targeted effort and released back into the wild starting in the 1950s. Today, stable herds once again live in Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and, since 2013, also in Germany, for example in the Rothaar Mountains.
As a large herbivore, the wisent significantly shapes its environment: through its natural behavior, it creates open forests and clearings that provide new habitats for many other animal and plant species. This gives it an important ecological role.
Despite its successful return, protecting this impressive species remains a shared European responsibility.
