Catalog
| Issuer | German Democratic Republic |
|---|---|
| Year | 1983 |
| Type | Coin pattern |
| Value | 10 Mark (10 DDM) |
| Currency | Mark (1948-1990) |
| Composition | Nickel brass |
| Weight | 12 g |
| Diameter | 31 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | J#1593 P1 |
| Obverse description | Coat of arms of the German Democratic Republic, legend and value surrounding. With punched in serial number |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | DEUTSCHE DEMOKRATISCHE REPUBLIK 1983 10 Mark PROBE 092 A |
| Reverse description | Bust of two workers each wearing a helmet with lettering and the KdA symbol to the left. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
30 JAHRE KAMPFGRUPPEN DER ARBEITER- KLASSE (Translation: 30 YEARS OF COMBAT GROUPS OF THE WORKING CLASS) |
| Edge | |
| Mint |
A Berlin, Germany (1280-date) |
| Mintage |
1983 A - - 100 |
| Numisquare ID | 1014498530 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1983 10 Mark Kampfgruppen pattern coin hails from the German Democratic Republic during the late Cold War, under Erich Honecker. This period underscored the GDR's firm Soviet alignment and socialist defense. The Kampfgruppen der Arbeiterklasse (Combat Groups of the Working Class) were a vital paramilitary organization of factory workers. They functioned as an internal security force and a powerful symbol of the working class's readiness to defend socialism, making them a significant numismatic subject.
Artistry: While the specific engraver for this pattern is largely unattributed, its design would conform to the GDR's socialist realist aesthetic. This style favored clear, robust imagery, depicting themes of labor, national defense, and collective strength. A Kampfgruppen-themed coin would likely feature powerful, idealized representations of workers or soldiers, potentially incorporating the organization's emblem or a symbolic motif. As a pattern, it may exhibit unique experimental design elements or a refined interpretation of proposed motifs.
Technical/Grading: Struck in nickel brass, weighing 12 grams and measuring 31 millimeters, this pattern reflects specifications common for GDR commemorative issues. For grading, focus on the sharpness of any military or worker iconography, like helmet details or uniform folds. Pattern strikes often display proof-like reflectivity in the fields, and the strike should be full and crisp, revealing intricate details of the experimental dies. Unique die characteristics or trial strike qualities are particularly significant for such a piece.