2 Mark - Wilhelm I Pattern

Pattern coinage for the German 2 Mark denomination was struck experimentally as the newly unified Reich worked to standardize its currency following the 1871 proclamation of empire. A copper striking of this weight and diameter almost certainly served as a trial piece to test die alignment, press calibration, or proposed planchet specifications — not as a candidate for circulation, where the type was always intended for silver. Such pieces were typically retained by the mint or presented to officials rather than destroyed.