German States
For many centuries Germany was in actuality a large number of states, some large, others small, and power rested mainly with the lords of each state. The Hapsburgs attempted to unify Germany ending in the thirty years war 1618 - 1648, which devastated the German economy, and heightened the localisation of power. At this point it is estimated that there were as many as 1,800 separate states some with a population as few as 300 people. Otto von Bismarck was instrumental in unifying most of these states into a modern nation. On April 14th 1871, the king of Prussia, the largest and most powerful state become emperor William I . According to Krause, the new nation consisted of 4 kingdoms, 6 grand duchies and principalities, 3 free cities, and the province of Alsace-Lorraine.

Bavaria
Bavaria or Bayern is one of the largest of the German States. It is in the south-east of Germany bordering Austria and the Czech Republic. Despite its size, it never issued the quantities of coins compared with its wealthy northern rival Prussia. Its gold coins only turn up relatively infrequently.

Technical Specifications

Denomination	Diameter	Weight	Fineness	Gold Content
20 Marks	22.5	7.9650	.900	.2304
10 Marks	19.5	3.9820	.900	.1152
5 Marks	16	1.9910	.900	.0576

Description of 20 Marks of Ludwig II
Obverse
Bare head of King Ludwig II facing right.

LUDWIG KOENIG V. BAYERN
Reverse
Crowned arms of Germany, a spread eagle.
DEUTSCHES REICH
20 M
(Date)
Edge
The edge has incuse cinquefoils and leaves with the incuse lettering:-
GOTT MIT UNS

Bavarian Gold Coins
Prices & Availability
Please telephone for current prices and availability.

Date	Denomination	Description	Grade	Mintage	Availability	Price £	Price $
1874 D	20 Marks	Ludwig II	aVF	615,000	Yes	£ask	$ask
1900 D	20 Marks	Otto	good VF	501,000	Yes	£110	$210
1905 D	20 Marks	Otto	Ask	501,000	Yes	£Ask	$Ask

Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10 per order
USA Insured Shipping $20 per order

Quantity Rates for German Gold 20 Marks
We never have Bavarian 20 marks in quantity, only Prussia ones. Please see our Germany page.

Last Deutsche Mark - 2001
First Gold Euros of Germany 2002