German Gold CoinsBrief German HistoryAlthough the word German was used by the Romans relating to a tribe in that area, the area known now as Germany has evolved over a long period of time into its modern form. The Holy Roman Empire was split into three parts by Charlemagne at the Treaty of Verdun in 843 AD, each of his three sons getting one part. Louis the German received the eastern part corresponding roughly to modern Germany, although nominally still subject to his brother Lothair I who received the Low Countries and retained the Imperial title.
German States
The MarkAlthough Bismarck created a central bank, a unified legal system, and a common currency, individual states were still entitled to issue gold and silver coins with denominations over 1 mark, and the smaller currency units were issued by the empire. The mark had long been a unit of account in much of Europe being equivalent to two thirds of a pound. Before unification German states issued gold coins using many different standards including ducats, goldgulden, carolins, gulden, thalers, krone, maximilians (d'or), fredericks, friederichs, wilhelms, pistoles, pistolens, franks (franken), karolins, with multiples and fractions. Even though there is such a variety of denominations, only about 40 of the states ever issued gold coins, many of them using coins of a neighboring state. Since 1871, the standard gold coins has been 20 marks, although 10 marks and 5 mark coins were also produced, but in smaller quantities. The most prolific state for issuing coins was Prussia, as the largest, wealthiest and most influential, so that the most commonly encountered German gold coins are the 20 mark pieces of Prussia. These were issued from 1871 to 1915.
Gold Coins Since 1915With the exception of patterns, medals and proofs intended primarily for collectors, no gold coins have been issued by Germany since 1915. None at all were issued for the Third Reich (1933 - 1945).
Technical Specifications
Description of 20 MarksKrause Number 521Type issued from 1890 to 1913 inclusive. ObverseBare head of King Wilhelm II facing right.WILLHELM II DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V PREUSSEN ReverseCrowned arms of Germany, a spread eagle.DEUTSCHES REICH (Date) 20 MARK EdgeThe edge has incuse cinquefoils and leaves with the incuse lettering:-GOTT MIT UNS
Our Choice 20 Mark - Bullion
Our Choice 20 Mark - Selected
Prussian Gold CoinsPrices & AvailabilityPlease contact us prior to ordering for current prices and availability.
German MintsThis list is for the modern Federal Republic of Germany. For older mint letters, please refer to our German States page.
Postage & PackingUK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per orderEU Insured Post £10 per order USA Airmail $10 per order USA Insured Shipping $20 per order
German States - Bavaria
Last Deutsche Mark - 2001
2003 €100 Gold Proof Quedlinberg Abbey
Coins Wanted
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Head of Wilhelm I on Obverse of 1872 German 20 MarksCountries Index
Reverse of 1872 German 20 Marks
Bust of Wilhelm II on Obverse of 1913 German 20 Marks
Bamberg Reverse of 2004 German 100 Euros
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