GERMAN COINS AND CURRENCY

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FRIEDRICH THE IRONTOOTH OF BRANDENBURG

This silver Bracteate Hohlpfennig was issued by Friedrich II (Frederick II) who was the Prince-Elector of the Margravate of Brandenburg from 1440 to 1470. It is believed that he was nicknamed "The Irontooth" or "The Iron" due to his great strength and power.  Friedrich strengthened Brandenburg forming the basis of what was to become Prussia and the German Empire.  The rights of the towns and nobility were curtailed and he regained Neumark (East Brandenburg) from the Teutonic Knights.  The citizens of Berlin revolted when he attempted to build a palace on Colin island in the Spree river.  Friedrich prevailed, built the castle that became the Stadtschloss (Berlin Palace), and the rights of the city were greatly curtailed. The Stadtschloss was torn down by East Germany in the 1950's and is now being rebuilt.  The silver Bracteate Hohlpfennig is an extremely thin and single sided coin wtih a raised rim.  The design is embossed from the reverse.  This coin is approximately 16mm in diameter and features an eagle with outstretched wings.  Because the coins are so thin and fragile, few survive today.

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MEDIEVAL CITY COINS OF THE MARGARVIATE OF BRANDENBURG

These medieval city Hohlpfennigs were issued during the reign of Friedrich II Irontooth, who was Prince-elector of the Margraviate of Brandenburg from 1440 to 1470.  A Hohlpfennig is a thin silver coin, about 16mm in diameter with a raised rim. The coin design is embossed on one side and incuse on the other. They were widely used in Northern Germany in the late Middle Ages.  The coins depict the arms of the city in which they were struck. The coin from Stendal depicts half an eagle on the left and four diamonds on the right.  Stendal is located about 78 miles (125km) west of Berlin. It the joined Hanseatic League in 1358 and purchased the privilege of minting from the Brandenburg margraves in 1369.  In 1456 Friedrich II founded a convent for Augustinian nuns in the city, which today is a museum.  The Hohlpfennig from Frankfurt an der Oder features a plumed knight's helmet. Frankfurt (Oder) is located about 50 miles (80km.) east of Berlin on the Oder river on what is now the German-Polish border.  It was founded as a Polish town.  In 1249 it became part of the Margraviate of Brandenburg,  The knight's helmet design makes this one of the more interesting Hohlpfennigs.

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TEUTONIC ORDER COIN FROM THE BANAT OF SEVERIN

By the end of the 14th Century the Ottoman Turks had conquered much of the Balkans and were threatening Hungary.  In 1429, Sigismund, King of Hungary asked the Teutonic Order for help in fighting the Turks.  Teutonic Knights under the command of Komtur Nikolaus von Redwitz came to help defend the Iron Gates, the narrowest part of the Danube.  In exchange the Knights were given land near Severin, a border area between Transylvania and the Ottoman Empire.  The Knights were at first successful and in 1431 Nikolaus von Redwitz was given the titles “Banus of Severin” and “Count of the Mint and Salt Chambers in Transylvania”.   However, the Hungarian nobility prevented the Knights from strengthening their fortifications and denied them help in their fight against the Turks.  Without the needed support, the Knights withdrew and returned to Prussia in 1434.  This small, crude, debased Obol was struck in Severin by Nikolaus von Redwitz between 1430 and 1434.  One side bears a crowned shield with a cross. A standing figure is on the other side.   A small hoard recently came out making this rare Teutonic Order coin from a little-known territory affordable – until the hoard is gone.

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SCARCE SILVER COINS FROM STATES OF THE GERMAN EMPIRE

The German Empire, also called the Second Reich or the Kaiserreich, lasted from the unification of Germany under Kaiser Wilhelm I in 1871 until the abdication of Wilhelm II in 1918 when Germany was defeated in World War I.  The formerly independent German states were allowed to issue coins in denominations of 2 Marks or higher.  The coins were all struck to the same standards.  The 2 Mark is 28mm and contained .3215 troy ounces of silver, the 3 Mark is 33mm and contained .4823 ounces of silver, the 5 Mark is 38mm and contained .8037 troy ounces of silver.  The coins were all struck in .900 fine silver. Most had a common reverse featuring the crowned imperial German Eagle and a lettered edge "GOTT MIT UNS" (God with us).  The smaller states issued only a few coins, most with low mintages, marking special events.  Many coins were melted during World War I, the German Inflation and World War II, making them scarce today.

BAVARIA COMMEMORATES 90th BIRTHDAY OF PRINCE REGENT LUITPOLD

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GERMAN EMPIRE COIN & CURRENCY SETS

In 1871 Otto Von Bismarck united the 26 independent German States under Prussian King Wilhelm I, forming the Second Reich, also known as the German Empire. During its 47 years of existence, the German Empire became the industrial, technological, and scientific giant of Europe and the world's third largest economy.  It created a colonial empire and possessed the world strongest army.  The Empire disintegrated as a result of Germany's defeat in World War I.  This six-coin set includes the silver 1 Mark, which was minted from 1873 until 1916; the silver 1/2 Mark, minted from 1905 to 1919; the copper-nickel 5 and 10 Pfennig and the copper 1 and 2 Pfennig, which were minted from 1874 to 1916.  All six coins feature the Imperial German Eagle on the reverse and the denomination on the obverse.  The coins grade Fine or Extra Fine.   The set of 3 banknotes consist of the 20 Mark, 100 Mark and 1000 Mark notes dated between 1908 and 1914. The blue 20 Mark featured a crowned imperial German Eagle at the upper right and measures 136x90mm.  The blue 100 Mark includes a large crowned imperial German Eagle on the front.  The back features two women holding a large medallion depicting a woman's head. The large note measures 160 x105mm (6.3" x 4.1"). The brown 1000 Mark note features two allegorical women representing seafaring and agriculture flanking the imperial German arms. The over-sized note is 187mm x 110mm (7.3” x 4.3”). It is printed on special ridged hemp paper containing blue silk threads.  When first issued the three notes could be redeemed for over 12 ounces of gold on demand!   After the start of World War I Germany halted the redemption of banknotes for gold - but kept on printing banknotes.  By 1922 the notes were virtually worthless due to inflation.  It is an impressive and historic currency set.

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THE SHORT-LIVED GERMAN 25 PFENNIG

In 1909 Germany introduced the nickel 25 Pfennig coin.  It was felt a denomination was needed between the 10 and 50 Pfennig coins in order to help shop keepers make change.  The coin proved unpopular and was discontinued in 1912, after only four years and most were subsequently melted for their metal during World War I..  One side of the 23mm coin featured the crowned German Imperial Eagle with a shield on its breast.  The other side had the denomination within a wreath of grain.  It is an attractive, but little-known coin of the German Empire.

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IRON COINS OF GERMANY  

Because copper and nickel were needed for the war effort, Germany switched the copper-nickel 5 Pfennig to iron in 1915, and the 10 Pfennig to iron in 1916.  Both coins continued to be struck in iron until 1922, by which time inflation had eroded their value so much they were no longer needed. Both coins have the denomination and date on one side and the Germanic Eagle on the other.

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HIGH-GRADE WEIMAR GERMAN BANKNOTE

These 1 and 2 Mark notes dated March 1, 1920 were some of the first notes issued by Germany's Weimar government after World War I. They were needed to help relieve the serious coin shortage that developed in Germany during and after World War I.  The notes were technically were not legal tender but a non-interest-bearing loan to the government. that did not stop people from accepting them as the low denomination notes were needed to purchase essential goods.  When first issued the 1 Mark note could buy about a pound of flour or half a dozen eggs.  The notes include an embossed seal and are printed on watermarked paper. They are quite reasonably priced for historic high-grade notes that are a century old.

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GERMAN NOTGELD COINS AND PAPER

Notgeld means "emergency money" in German, and generally refers to an extensive series of locally issued coins and currency produced during and following World War I.  Notgeld was issued in paper, metal and even porcelain and other materials.  Below is a selection of this fascinating but little known collectible.

WEIMAR REPUBLIC COIN SETS

The Weimar Republic was a turbulent period for Germany between the collapse of the German Empire in World War I in 1918 and the Nazis coming to power in 1933.  We are pleased to offer the three series of coins issued by the Weimar Republic.  The Inflation Era Set includes the following 4 coins. The aluminum 50 Pfennig minted from 1919 until 1922 features a wheatsheaf and a proverb which translates as "hard work pays off".   The aluminum 3 Mark was minted only in 1922 and features the heraldic German eagle.  It commemorates the third anniversary of the Weimar constitution.  In 1923 aluminum 200 and 500 Mark coins were released.  Both coins feature the Germanic eagle. At the beginning of 1923 the two coins (700 Mark) could buy a loaf of bread.  By November bread cost over 80 Billion Mark per loaf!  In November 1923 Germany did a 1 trillion to 1 revaluation of their currency and introduced the Rentenmark.  The Rentenmark was backed by mortgages on German industrial and agricultural property.  The set of 4 Rentenmark coins includes the 1, 2, 5 and 10 Rentenpfennig.  The bronze 1 and 2 Rentenpfennig feature a wheatsheaf, which was the emblem of the Rentenbank. The aluminum-bronze 5 and 10 Rentenpfennig feature ears of grain.  Rentenpfennig coins were struck for circulation only two years: 1923 and 1924.  In 1924 the Reichsmark was introduced.  It was backed by gold and was equal to a Rentenmark.  The 5-coin Reichsmark set includes the 1, 2, 5, 10 and 50 Reichpfennig.  The 1, 2, 5 and 10 Reichpfennig coins utilized the same designs as the Rentenpfennig coins except the legend was changed from Rentenpfennig to Reichpfennig.  The coins were struck from 1924 until 1936.  In 1927 the nickel 50 Reichspfennig coin featuring the Germanic eagle was introduced.  It continued to be struck until 1938.  All of these Weimar coins feature the denomination in large numerals on the obverse. 

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GERMAN WEIMAR REPUBLIC 100 MARK BANKNOTE

The Weimar Republic was formed after the defeat of the German Empire in World War I.  Its early years were a tumultuous period of uprisings, riots and massive inflation.  It is named after the city where the new German constitution was written and adopted in August, 1919, and lasted until the rise of the Nazis in 1933.    The 100 Mark note features two images of the head of the “Bamberg Horseman”. The horseman is an impressive 13th century sculpture in the Bamberg Cathedral.  The Bamberg Horsman depicts a famous king, however which king it is is a matter of debate. The note is dated November 1, 1920, measures 162x108mm and includes the red Weimar Republic crest.

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EMERGENCY BANKNOTE FROM THE CITY OF GOTHA 

Because of the severe inflation that followed World War I, prices were rising faster than the German government could print money.  Many towns and companies resorted to printing their own currency.  This 100 Mark note was issued by the City of Gotha, Germany.  It is dated September 30, 1922.  It is a simple, uniface note that pictures a bishop from the town’s arms. 

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WEIMAR REPUBLIC COMMEMORATES 3rd ANNIVERSARY WITH 3 MARK

In 1922 Germany issued a circulating 3 Mark coin commemorating the 3rd Anniversary of the Weimar Constitution.  The denomination, date and mintmark are on the obverse.  A Germanic Eagle and the legend "VERFASSUNGSTAG 11. AUGUST 1922" (Constitution day, August 11, 1922) is on the other.  The aluminum coin is 28mm. Inflation quickly took a toll on Germany.  It was an inauspicious commemorative.  Due to rampant inflation it quickly became virtually worthless. We have the coin in Uncirculated condition from both the Berlin (A) and Karlsruhe (G) mints.  The coins catalog $30 each.  Our price is MUCH less.

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GERMAN INFLATION POSTAGE STAMPS

Germany’s post World War I inflation is reflected in their postage stamps.  This set includes 27 different German postage stamps issued between 1918 to 1923, with values ranging from 10 Pfennig (cost of a domestic letter in 1918) to 5 Million Mark (a domestic letter cost 4 Million Mark on Oct. 20, 1923).    In order to try to keep up with the soaring rates some stamps were overprinted with new values.  The stamps in this collection are all original unused stamps however some may be slightly torn or damaged.

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POPULAR GERMAN 100,000 MARK INFLATION NOTE

This 100,000 Mark note dated February 1, 1922 is one of the most popular of the German inflation notes.  The large (190 x 115mm) note features a cut from Hans Holbein the Younger's portrait "The Merchant Georg Gisze".  At the time the painting was done in 1532 Georg Gisze was a prominent Hanseatic merchant who managed his family's trading office in London. Some sources indicate the portrait was done for his betrothed who lived in Danzig (Gdansk), as they probably had never met.  German painter Han Holbein the Younger had a successful career in London, with commissions from Sir Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Anne Boleyn and as a court painter of Henry VIII.  The painting is now in the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin.  The back of the brown, black and lilac note features the denomination within guilloche patterns.  It is an historic note from the beginning of the German hyperinflationary period.  We offer this popular note in both circulated and Uncirculated condition.

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10 MILLION MARK!

This Uncirculated German 10 Million Mark note is dated August 22, 1923.  This was during the height of Germany's Post-World War I hyperinflation.  When first issued it could buy a few eggs.  By November it was virtually worthless.  The note is printed on watermarked paper.  In order to speed up production of notes, it is printed on one side only.  It is a reminder of what happens when government does not control its spending.

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CLICK HERE to see our exhibit on the coins and notes of the German Hyperinflation

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OLD PRE-1945 UNCANCELLED GERMAN BONDS

We recently acquired an amazing hoard of old, uncancelled, German bonds.   The bonds date from about 1924 to 1943. These were high quality bonds that were probably held as an investment - until Germany lost the war.  Most were issued by state or municipal banks in denominations ranging from 100 Marks to 1000 Marks or more.  Many are Pfandbrief (secure mortgage bonds - which supposedly have never defaulted in over 200 years) or are payable in gold.  Some include coupons - with all coupons after mid-1945 still remaining.   Most are about 8.5" x 12" (21cm x 29cm).  We have seen some similar bonds sell for $50 or more, but we have far too many varieties to list them individually, so will sell them by general type at a discounted price.  Every lot is different.  All bonds are uncancelled and are in nice condition.

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HISTORIC 1930 YOUNG PLAN BONDS ATTEMPT TO PAY GERMAN WAR REPARATIONS

After its defeat in World War I, Germany was saddled with heavy war reparations, the repayment of which contributed to the 1923 German hyperinflation and helped bring Hitler to power.  An attempt was made in 1924 to restructure the payments, however that quickly failed.  A second attempt was made in 1929.  The proposal was known as the Young Plan.  It was named after its chairman, American industrialist Owen D. Young, who founded the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and was Chairman of General Electric.   The Young Plan reduced payments by about 20%, stretched payment out over 58 years, and created the Bank of International Settlements to facilitate the reparation payments.  One third of the annual reparations were to be paid by Germany from general revenue, however that payment could be postponed. Two thirds of the annual payments were to be financed by a consortium of American banks and were "unconditional".  In 1930 bonds were issued various currencies to help implement the plan.  The plan however quickly failed.  The stock market crash of 1929, the start of the Great Depression and the collapse of international trade made the plan infeasible. As might be expected, the plan was unpopular with most Germans and Hitler made repudiation of the war reparations a major element of his campaigns.  He repudiated the debt after becoming Chancellor in 1933. After Germany's defeat in World War II the payments were again restructured, and Germany finally paid off the last of its reparation debt and interest in 2020, 92 years after its defeat in World War I.  We offer ab  historic `000 Swiss Francs 1930 Young Plan Bond.   The bonds paid 5 1/2% interest.  They have texts in German, English and French.    The large sized bonds measure approximately 11.75" x 16.5" (300 x 420mm) and have been punch canceled.  The Swiss bonds include a partial sheet of 41 coupons, dating from June 1, 1945 to June 1 1965.  They are important but rarely seen financial instruments.

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WEIRD COIN FROM GERMANY  

In midst of the Great Depression German chancellor Heinrich Bruning decided that a 4 Reichspfennig coin would stimulate the failing economy.  The coin was introduced in 1932 by an emergency decree.  The 24mm copper coin featured the German eagle on one side and the denomination and date on the other. To encourage its use, all wages were supposed to be partially paid with fifty of the new 4 Reichspfennig coins.  As might be expected the coin was not popular with the public, who called it a "Bruning Thaler".   A smaller and more convenient 5 Reichspfennig had long been in use. People did not like the coin,  merchants and banks did not want them. It was issued only a single year: 1932.  In 1933 the new Nazi government promptly did away with the coin.  On October 1, 1933 it ceased to be legal tender. Most were melted for scrap, making it scarce today.

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FIRST NAZI GERMAN COIN  

This nickel 1 Reichsmark was the first new coin introduced by the Nazi government after they assumed power in 1933.  The obverse has the date and denomination.  The reverse features the German imperial eagle and the legend "Gemeinnutz vor Eigennutz" which translates as "Common Good Takes Priority over Self-interest".  The legend was the final point in the Nazi's 25-Point Program which gave the Reich unlimited authority.   The 23mm coin was struck in nickel and was minted from 1933 until 1939.  The coins were recalled and melted after the start of World War II as the nickel was needed for the war effort.  Today it is one of the hardest to find of all the regular issue Nazi German coins.

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GERMANY CELEBRATES 1st ANNIVERSARY OF NAZI RULE 

Nazi Germany celebrated the first anniversary of Nazi rule with these silver commemorative 2 and 5 Reichsmark coins dated 1934.  Both coins have the same design. The reverse portrays the Potsdam Garrison Church and the date 21 March, 1933.   It was at this church that date that Hitler ceremonially opened the first Reichstag of the Third Reich, officially ushering in Nazi control of Germany The obverse depicts the German Eagle and two small swastikas. The 25mm 2 Reichsmark coin is struck in .625 fine silver and contains .1607 troy oz. of silver.  The 29mm 5 Reichsmark coin is struck in .900 fine silver and contains .4016 troy oz. of silver.

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NAZI GERMANY SILVER COINS

NAZI GERMANY SILVER 2 REICHSMARK

POTSDAM GARRISON CHURCH ON NAZI SILVER 5 REICHSMARK

HINDENBURG & EAGLE ON NAZI GERMANY SILVER 5 REICHSMARK

HINDENBURG & SWASTIKA ON NAZI GERMANY SILVER 5 REICHSMARK

SPECIAL - ALL 4 OF THE ABOVE NAZI GERMAN SILVER COINS

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NAZI GERMAN 8 COIN SET  

This set consists of the eight lower denominations of Nazi German coins each showing the eagle and swastika. The 1937-1939 issues include the 1, 2, 5 and 10 Reichspfennig made from copper or aluminum-bronze alloys. In 1939 an aluminum 50 Reichspfennig with the Eagle and Swastika was introduced, and was produced until 1944. In 1940 the 1, 5 and 10 Reichspfennig were switched to zinc and the 2 Reichspfennig was discontinued due to the war. All eight coins grade VF or better, though the zinc coins may show some spots as zinc spots very easily. The coins all feature the denomination on one side and an eagle holding a swastika on the other.

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NAZI GERMAN 14 COIN SET

This 14 coin set includes the regular issue coins of Nazi Germany listed above. Included are the following coins: The bronze 1 and 2 Reichspfennig issued from 1936 to 1940 with an eagle and swastika. The aluminum-bronze (brass) 5 and 10 Reichspfennig issued from 1936 to 1939 with an eagle and swastika. The aluminum 50 Reichspfennig picturing an eagle, which was dated only one year, 1935. The nickel 1 Reichsmark with an eagle which was issued from 1933 to 1939. Because nickel was a critical war material, most were melted during the War. The silver 5 Reichmark issued in 1934 and 1935 pictures the Potsdam Garrison Church where Hitler was sworn into office on one side and an eagle and two small swastikas on the other. Paul von Hindenburg and an Eagle are on the silver 5 Reichsmark dated 1935 and 1936. The silver 2 Reichsmark and 5 Reichsmark dating from 1936 to 1939 pictures Hindenburg on one side and an eagle holding a swastika during the other. Because of World War II, the only coins issued after 1940 were the zinc 1, 5 and 10 Reichspfennig, which depict an eagle holding a swastika. The coins grade Very Fine or better, though the zinc coins may have some spots. Because of the difficulty in obtaining all 14 coins at one time, I rarely am able to offer this historic set. (Note: this set includes the coins from Nazi set of 4 silver coins and the Nazi 8 coin set listed above, plus the aluminum 1935 50 Reichspfennig which was issued that single year, and the scarce nickel 1 Reichsmark)

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NAZI GERMAN CURRENCY

The following notes were used in Nazi Germany throughout World War II and remained legal tender until 1948. The notes bear two dates: the date the note was first authorized, and the date the issuing bank was authorized to issue currency. Unlike coins, the date is not the year the note was printed. These Reichsbank notes were supposedly backed by gold.

100 REICHSMARK FEATURES SWASTIKA

The 1935 100 Reichsmark features a large swastika underprint at the center. To the right is Justus von Liebig, a 19th century German chemist who is called the "Father of the Fertilizer Industry" for his discovery of nitrogen as an essential plant nutrient. The back depicts allegorical figures. The note was the highest denomination in general circulation. It was about half a month's pay for a skilled laborer.


The 20 Reichsmark note dated 1929 portrays Ernst Werner Siemens, the 19th century German industralist and inventor who founded the Siemens A.G. which has expanded into a multi-national company producing a wide range products. The back features children holding tools and a worker carrying a hammer. It has a watermark of Siemans at the left and an embosed seal near the lower left corner. The note continued in circulation throughout World War II.

NAZI GERMAN 20 REICHSMARK NOTE FEATURES AUSTRIAN MAIDEN

In 1939 a new 20 Reichsmark note was introduced, with a design adopted from an unissued Austrian note.  Austria had been forcibly incorporated into the Third Reich the previous year.  The front depicts a young woman holding edelweiss.  There is also a small eagle and swastika and a large swastika underprint.  The back pictures the Dachstein Glacier on Lake Gosausee in Austria.  To the left is a man holding an ax.  To the right is a man sowing seeds.  The watermark depicts the young maiden.

NAZI GERMAN 5 REICHSMARK NOTE FEATURES HITLER YOUTH  

Nazi Germany introduced this 5 Reichsmark note in 1942 to replace the silver 5 Reichsmark coins which were discontinued in 1939.  The front of the note features a German young man, along with a small eagle and swastika. The back depicts a woman with a sickle and a man with a wood plane, representing farming and industry.   Between them is a vignette of the Brunswick Cathedral and the Brunswick Lion statue.  The Lion was commissioned by Henry the Lion about 1166AD.  The statue is the oldest, preserved large sculpture from the Middle Ages north of the Alps. The note measures 140x70mm and is brown.  The left side features a watermark of the numeral "5",

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NAZI GERMAN CONVERSION FUND NOTES USED TO PAY JEWS

Jewish and other refugees fleeing Nazi Germany would sometimes be paid for their confiscated property with these Conversion Fund Notes, (called Konversionskasse fur Deutsche Auslandsschulden.) The notes were not legal tender nor were they transferable. Redemption of the notes was difficult, if not impossible.  In most cases their owners found them to be eventually worthless. The original issue is dated 1933.  The 1934 has two red guilloches overprinted on the left side of the 1933 notes, with the lower guilloche containing the date 1934. The large sized notes measure 200 x 115mm.  The notes are Uncirculated and perforated "ENTWERTET" (CANCELLED). They are historic and rarely seen items.

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WORLD WAR II GERMAN MILITARY CURRENCY

Wehrmacht military currency was used by Nazi Germany to pay its troops during the final months of World War II. The notes are dated September 15, 1944. Soldiers were paid in military scrip while in transit. When a soldier arrived at his post the notes could be converted to the local currency or occupation notes. The notes all have similar designs. The front includes a small Eagle holding a Swastika and the inscription "VERRECHNUNGSSEN FUR DIE DEUTSCHE WEHRMACHT" (Clearing notes for German Armed Forces) The back of the note includes regulations and instructions on how to use the notes. They are interesting and historic pieces of World War II military history.

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CLICK HERE FOR OUR NAZI COIN LIST

CLICK HERE FOR WORLD WAR II COIN & CURRENCY PAGE

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FIRST COINS OF EAST GERMANY

East Germany issued its first coins in 1948 while it was still under the occupation of the Soviet Army. The coins consisted of the aluminum 1, 5 and 10 Pfennig. The coins featured an ear of grain and a cogwheel, which symbolized a communist "Workers' and Farmers' state". The denomination was on the other side.  In 1950 East Germany struck an aluminum-bronze 50 Pfennig depicting factories pouring out pollution.  In those days factories splewing out smoke was considered good as it was symbol of modern industry.  In 1952 a new series of aluminum 1, 5 and 10 Pfennig coins was introduced. The obverse showing the denomination was basically unchanged, however the new reverse designs featured a compass, hammer and two ears of grain. The compass represented the intelligentsia, who were supposed to be leading the workers (hammer) and farmers (grain).  Most of the workers and farmers that I know do not like the idea of being led by a bunch of  intelligentsia who have little idea of what life is like in "the real world".  Perhaps that is a clue as to why so many wanted to escape from East Germany and why it later collapsed.  The new designs were issued only two years: 1952 and 1953. After the reunification of Germany, the East German coins were withdrawn from circulation and melted.

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EAST GERMAN 5 MARK COMMEMORATIVES

East Germany issued an annual series of popular and well struck non-circulating copper-nickel 5 Mark commemorative coins honoring famous Germans and their achievements. The 29mm coin feature the emblem of the German Democratic Republic on the obverse.  The denomination is repeated on the lettered edges of the coins.  The 125th anniversary of the birth of Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen commemorated this 1970 issue which depicts his X-ray tube.  He was awarded the inaugural Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 for his discovery of X-rays.  The 1971 issue marked the 400th anniversary of the birth of Johannes Kepler.  The design reflects Kepler's theories regarding heliocentric planetary motions. The 75th anniversary of the death of composer Johannes Brahms is the theme of the 1972 issue.  The design features musical notes.  The 100th anniversary of the death of physicist Philipp Reis is honored on the 1974 issue.  Reis invented a telephone in 1861, pre-dating Alexander Graham Bell's telephone by more than a decade.  However, Reis's telephone was delicate, tricky and produced inconsistent results.  An image of his telephone apparatus appears on the coin.  The 200th Anniversary of the birth of military officer Ferdinand von Schill is commemorated on the 1976 issue.  In 1809 he led an unsuccessful revolt to liberate the portions of Germany that were controlled by Napoleon.  The coin features his sword and military hat.   The 125th anniversary of the death of Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, the father of German gymnastics, is on the 1977 issue.  His portrait appears on the coin.

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SCARCE, UNRELEASED BANKNOTES OF EAST GERMANY  

These scarce 200 and 500 Mark East German notes are rarely seen in any collections. They are the highest denominations ever printed by East Germany and were some of the last banknotes ever printed by East Germany. The notes were dated 1985, however the East German government collapsed before the notes were released into circulation. After the collapse of East Germany the notes were put into storage in old Nazi bunkers. A very limited number of notes were "liberated" from a bunker by teenagers who found a hidden entrance to the bunker, before the German government destroyed all of the remaining notes. The front of 200 Mark note features a family standing in front of a government apartment complex. The back pictures a group of young school children and their teacher.  The 500 Mark pictures the East German Arms and the Staatsrat building in Berlin. 

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BETHEL FOUNDATION CURRENCY FROM GERMANY

The Bethel Foundation (Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel) was founded in 1867 in Prussia to care for epileptics.  Its mission has expanded to care for mentally ill and other challenged people.  It is headquartered in the Bethel district of Bielefeld and has facilities in eight German states serving 200,000 people per year.  It issued its first currency in 1908.  After World War II it was the only private institution in West Germany authorized to issue its own currency.  The notes are accepted at Bethel facilities and selected merchants.   This four-note set of Bethel currency includes the 50 Pfennig, 2, 5 and 20 Mark notes dated from 1957 to 1973.  In 2002 the notes were replaced with Euro denominated currency. 

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GERMANY CELEBRATES 25th ANNIVERSARY OF UNIFICATION

Germany commemorated the 25th anniversary of the unification of East and West Germany with this circulating 2015 bi-metallic 2 Euro coin. The obverse shows celebrating the unification in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and the legend "WIR SIND EIN VOLK" (We are one people) repeated three times. The standard 2 Euro design featuring a map of Europe is used on the reverse. The edge includes the inscription translating as "Unity and law and freedom". The coin was produced by all five of Germany’s mints: (Berlin=A, Munich= D, Stuttgart = F, Karlsruhe = G, Hamburg = J) The mintmark is found near the feet of the people. It is probably the most significant commemorative issued by Germany in recent years.

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GERMAN POLYMER RING 5 EURO COINS

Germany introduced an innovative new coinage technique with their polymer ring 5 Euro coins. The coins have copper-nickel outer ring and center separated by a colored polymer plastic ring.  The polymer ring is supposed to make the coins almost counterfeit proof.  Due to the difficulty and expense of minting these coins, thus far it has only been used on a few high value coins.  Germany introduced the technology on circulating 5 Euro coins featuring the earth's climate zones.   The coins did not circulate widely as most were quickly snapped up by the public and collectors due to their unique construction.   The subtropical climate zone is featured on the 2018 coin.  It depicts herd of goats under the shade of a tree and a barren landscape and has an orange polymer ring.  The 2019 issue features the temperate climate zone and depicts a rabbit sitting on farmland with forest in the background.  I doubt the farmer is happy about a rabbit eating his crops.  It has a green polymer ring.  The obverses include the German eagle, date mintmark, denomination and the 12 stars of the European Union. 

Item DE-5E-18ST GERMANY 5 EURO 2018-G SUBTROPICAL ZONE  UNC. $12.50

Item DE-5E-19TM GERMANY 5 EURO 2018-F TEMPERATE ZONE UNC. $12.50

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GERMAN 2 EUROS CELEBRATESTHE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL

Germany commemorated the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall with this 2019 2 Euro coin. The opening of the Berlin wall in November 1989 led to the collapse of East Germany and the reunification of the nation. The design, created by a French engraver, represents joyous people and doves passing through an opening in the Berlin Wall. In the background is the Brandenburg Gate. The "graffiti" on the wall reads "30 JAHRE MAUERFAL" (30 years fall of the Berlin Wall). At the bottom right is a "D" for Deutschland (Germany). The coins were struck at all five German mints (A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg). The mintmark is at the bottom left of the design. It is small and hard to see. All the coins have the standard 2 Euro reverse featuring a map of Europe.

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GERMANY COMMEMORATES WILLY BRANDT'S WARSAW GENUFLECTION

Germany commemorated the 50th Anniversary of Chancellor Willy Brandt's "Warsaw Genuflection" on this 2020 2 Euro coin.  On December 7, 1970, during his visit to Warsaw, Brandt spontaneously fell to his knees in front a monument to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.  The 1943 revolt was the largest single revolt by Jews against Nazi Germany during World War II.  Before the war some 250,000 Jews lived in the Ghetto.  Virtually every Jew in the Ghetto was exterminated, either in death camps before or after the uprising or killed during the uprising.  The Treaty of Warsaw, in which West Germany recognized the new borders of Poland, was signed during his visit, easing some of the tensions of the Cold War.

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GERMANY HONORS SAXONY-ANHALT ON 2021 2 EURO

Germany continued their annual series of 2 Euro coins honoring each of their Bundesländer (states) with this 2021 issue for Saxony-Anhalt (Sachsen-Anhalt).  The coin depicts the Magdeburg Cathedral.  The Cathedral is the oldest Gothic Cathedral in Germany.   Construnction was started in 1209 on the site of an abbey.  It was not completed until over 300 years later in 1520. The coins were struck at all five German mints (A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg). The mintmark is at the left of the cathedral.

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2022 GERMAN 2 EURO FEATURES WARTBURG CASTLE

Germany continued their annual series of 2 Euro coins honoring each of its states with this 2022 issue for Thuringia, which is located in central Germany.  The coin depicts the famous Wartburg Castle overlooking the city of Eisenach.  The castle is a UNESCO heritage site.  Parts of it date back to the 12th century.  It was the home of St. Elizabeth of Hungary and where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German following his excommunication by the Pope.  The mintmark appears to the right of the castle.  The "D" below the castle is for Deutschland.

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Also see:
GERMAN 2 EURO COMMEMORATIVE COINS

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