Catalog
| Issuer | Federal Republic of Germany |
|---|---|
| Year | 1988 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Value | 10 Deutsche Mark (10 DEM) |
| Currency | Deutsche Mark (1948-2001) |
| Composition | Silver (.625) |
| Weight | 15.5 g |
| Diameter | 32.5 mm |
| Thickness | 2.25 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Carl Vezerfi-Clemm |
| In circulation to | 31 December 2001 |
| Reference(s) | KM#169, J#444, Schön#169 |
| Obverse description | An eagle, emblem of the German Federal Republic Stuttgart mint mark (F) Face value Issuing date |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND 1988 10 DEUTSCHE MARK F |
| Reverse description | Portrait of Carl Zeiss, an optician engineer born in Weimar on September 11th, 1816. Founder of the Zeiss society, he died in 1888. Illustration of Carl Zeiss` microscope. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | CARL ZEISS 1816 - 1888 |
| Edge | Inscription that means `Optics for science and technique`. |
| Mint |
F Staatliche Münze Baden-Württemberg,Stuttgart, Germany (1374-date) |
| Mintage |
1988 F - - 8 000 000 1988 F - Proof - 350 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 1009477760 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1988 10 Deutsche Mark Carl Zeiss coin was issued by the Federal Republic of Germany during a period of stability in West Germany. This commemorative honors Carl Zeiss (1816-1888), the pioneering German optician and entrepreneur, on the centenary of his death. Zeiss's revolutionary work in optics and precision mechanics laid the foundation for modern optical instruments, significantly impacting scientific research and industry. This coin reflects Germany's tradition of recognizing figures who profoundly contributed to science and technology.
Artistry: The coin's design was crafted by Hubert Klinkel, a notable German medalist. The stylistic approach is characteristic of modern commemorative coinage, blending dignified realism with clear, precise lines. The obverse features a stylized eagle, the national emblem, encircled by "BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND" and the denomination. The reverse prominently displays a left-facing portrait of Carl Zeiss, rendered with meticulous detail, accompanied by his name "CARL ZEISS" and the years "1816-1888". The aesthetic emphasizes the intellectual gravitas of the subject.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .625 fine silver, this coin typically exhibits a strong strike, characteristic of German minting standards. Key high-points for grading include the fine details of Carl Zeiss's hair, beard, facial contours, and collar on the reverse. On the obverse, attention should be paid to the individual feathers of the eagle's breast and wings, and the sharpness of the lettering. Well-preserved examples will show full detail across these areas, with minimal wear on highest relief elements.