Issued by the Kingdom of Prussia in the German Empire in 1913
2 Mark Silver Coin "100th Anniversary of the Declaration of War by Napoleon"
(Wilhelm II/Friedrich William III Memorial)
Grade: NGC MS62 certified / Certification number: 8204395-006
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History and Background
This 2 mark silver coin is a historic commemorative coin issued by the Kingdom of Prussia (German Empire) in 1913 to commemorate exactly 100 years since Frederick William III's famous "An mein Volk" (Appeal to My People), which was issued on March 17, 1813.
It was minted under the reign of the German Emperor, Wilhelm II, to celebrate Prussia's participation in the War of Independence against Napoleon Bonaparte's French Empire. The coins are engraved with symbolic images and slogans, emphasizing German nationalism and the spirit of resistance.
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Design and iconographic features
Obverse
The central figure depicts King Frederick William III of Prussia on horseback, with the people and soldiers gathering in response to his call, meticulously carved.
• Inscription: "DER KÖNIG RIEF UND ALLE ALLE KAMEN (The king called and all answered)."
• Additional inscription: "MIT GOTT FÜR KÖNIG UND VATERLAND (For God, King and Fatherland)"
• Date: 17-3-1813
Back (reverse)
The powerful image of the eagle, the symbol of the German Empire, holding in its talons the snake, the symbol of the French Empire, symbolizes Prussia's victory, independence, and liberation from foreign powers.
• Inscriptions: "DEUTSCHES REICH 1913" and "ZWEI MARK (2 marks)"
Edge
• The edges are serrated, making it exquisitely crafted and tamper-resistant.
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Casting specifications (specs)
• Year of publication: 1913
• Country of issue: German Empire (Kingdom of Prussia)
• Number issued: 1,500,000 (relatively large for a commemorative coin)
• Mint: Berlin Mint (Germany)
• Face value: 2 marks
• Material: Silver .900 (90% purity)
• Weight: 11.11 grams
• Diameter: 28mm
• Shape: Round
• Manufacturing technique: Milled (machine stamped)
• Direction: Medal Alignment (↑↑)
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Appraisal information
This particular coin has been officially certified as mint condition MS62 (Mint State 62) by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), an American third-party coin grading organization.
• Certification number: 8204395-006
• Case: Enclosed in an official NGC holder, with QR code and barcode for authenticity verification
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The appeal of the collection
This coin is a commemorative item that embodies the national identity of Germany and Prussia and has both artistic and historical value.
It symbolizes a major turning point in the turbulent period of Europe known as the Napoleonic Wars, and also offers a glimpse into the tense historical background of 1913, just before the First World War.
Furthermore, the eagle and snake motif on the reverse is a different design from the "heraldic eagle" found on regular German Imperial commemorative coins, and is highly prized by collectors.
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Numista registration information and catalog number
• Numista number: N#13477
• Catalog number: KM#532, J#109, AKS#140
• Purpose of issue: Circulating Commemorative Coin
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SEO keywords (for search engines)
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summary
This 1913 Prussian 2 Mark commemorative silver coin is a precious memorial coin symbolizing the historical event of the Napoleonic Wars and the German national spirit. Its high-quality MS grade makes it a highly recommended item for history buffs, coin collectors, and investors alike.
In addition to the beautiful design of a silver coin, this coin has a limited issuance background and rare design elements, making it truly a piece of history worth owning.
