2000 AD., Germany, Federal Republic, 250th Anniversary Johann Sebastian Bach's death commemorative, Stuttgart mint, 10 Mark, KM 202.

Germany, Federal Republic, 250th Anniversary Johann Sebastian Bach's death commemorative, engraver: Aase Thorsen, Stuttgart mint (mint mark "F"), issued July 13. 2000 AD.,
10 Deutsche Mark (32,5 mm / 15,44 g), 0.925 silver, 15,50 g. theor. mint weight, mintage 3.000.000 , axes medal alignment ↑↑ (0°),
Obv.: BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND / DEUTSCHE 10 MARK 2000 F , legend surrounding eagle.
Rev.: JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH / 1685 - 1750 // DIE KUNST DER FUGE· VOR DEINEN THRON TRET ICH HIERMIT· / MATTHÄUS PASSION· JOHANNES PASSION· IOD... / ..EINE SEELE NICH.. / ..ICH HER.. , his portrait facing (based on a painting of Elias Gottlob Haußmann), surrounded by the partly visible titles of his last works.
Edge: plain edge with incuse inscription "JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH 250. TODESTAG"
KM 202 .

Year / Mint Mark / Mintage / Details
2000 A 165.260 proof issue
2000 D 165.260 proof issue
2000 F 3.000.000 normal issue
2000 F 165.260 proof issue
2000 G 165.260 proof issue
2000 J 165.260 proof issue

Johann Sebastian Bach (31 March [O.S. 21 March] 1685 – 28 July 1750) was a German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist of the Baroque period. He enriched many established German styles through his skill in counterpoint, harmonic and motivic organisation, and the adaptation of rhythms, forms, and textures from abroad, particularly from Italy and France. Bach's compositions include the Brandenburg Concertos, the Mass in B minor, the The Well-Tempered Clavier, his cantatas, chorales, partitas, Passions, and organ works. His music is revered for its intellectual depth, technical command, and artistic beauty.
Bach was born in Eisenach, Saxe-Eisenach, into a very musical family; his father, Johann Ambrosius Bach, was the director of the town musicians, and all of his uncles were professional musicians. His father taught him to play violin and harpsichord, and his brother, Johann Christoph Bach, taught him the clavichord and exposed him to much contemporary music. Bach also went to St Michael's School in Lüneburg because of his singing skills. After graduating, he held several musical posts across Germany: he served as Kapellmeister (director of music) to Leopold, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen, Cantor of Thomasschule in Leipzig, and Royal Court Composer to August III. Bach's health and vision declined in 1749, and he died on 28 July 1750. Modern historians believe that his death was caused by a combination of stroke and pneumonia.

Bach's abilities as an organist were highly respected throughout Europe during his lifetime, although he was not widely recognised as a great composer until a revival of interest and performances of his music in the first half of the 19th century. He is now generally regarded as one of the main composers of the Baroque period, and as one of the greatest composers of all time.