Catalog
| Issuer | German New Guinea |
|---|---|
| Year | 1895 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 10 Mark |
| Currency | Goldmark (1894-1895) |
| Composition | Gold (.900) |
| Weight | 3.982 g |
| Diameter | 19.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | Obverse: Otto Schultz Reverse: Emil Weigand |
| In circulation to | 15 April 1911 |
| Reference(s) | KM#8, J#708 |
| Obverse description | Bird of Paradise. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Denomination and date within palm wreath. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
NEU-GUINEA COMPAGNIE 10 NEU-GUINEA MARK 1895 A (Translation: New Guinea Company 10 New Guinea Mark) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint |
A Berlin, Germany (1280-date) |
| Mintage |
1895 A - - 2 000 1895 A - Proof - |
| Numisquare ID | 4432111730 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1895 10 Mark from German New Guinea is a pivotal artifact from the height of German imperial ambition under Wilhelm II. Wilhelm II (1888-1918) oversaw significant colonial expansion, with German New Guinea a protectorate from 1884. This 3.982 gram gold issue was the only gold coin minted for the territory, serving as a powerful symbol of German sovereignty and influence in the Pacific, not a widely circulating medium.
Artistry: The coin's design reflects the prevailing German academic realism of the Wilhelminian era. Engraver uncredited, the artistry reflects Berlin Mint masters. The obverse features a dignified laureate bust of Wilhelm II facing right, characteristic of imperial portraiture. The reverse displays a robust imperial eagle with a shield on its breast, encircled by "DEUTSCH NEU GUINEA," "10 MARK," and "1895," embodying the German Empire's reach.
Technical/Grading: For grading, examine the design's highest points for wear and strike. On the obverse, these include Wilhelm II's hair and the laurel wreath. On the reverse, critical areas are the eagle's breast feathers, the crown atop its head, and the shield's fine lines. Despite being gold, minor softness in strike can occasionally be observed on the very finest details, generally exhibiting strong strikes due to their gold composition.