20 Mark - Wilhelm II

Emissor German New Guinea
Ano 1895
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor 20 Mark
Moeda Goldmark (1894-1895)
Composição Gold (.900)
Peso 7.965 g
Diâmetro 22.5 mm
Espessura
Formato Round
Técnica Milled
Orientação Medal alignment ↑↑
Gravador(es) Obverse: Otto Schultz
Reverse: Emil Weigand
Em circulação até 15 April 1911
Referência(s) KM#9, J#709
Descrição do anverso Bird of Paradise
Escrita do anverso
Legenda do anverso
Descrição do reverso Denomination and date in palm wreath
Escrita do reverso Latin
Legenda do reverso NEU-GUINEA COMPAGNIE 20 NEU-GUINEA MARK 1895 A
(Translation: New Guinea Company 20 New Guinea Mark)
Bordo Milled
Casa da moeda A
Berlin, Germany (1280-date)
Tiragem 1895 A - - 1 500
1895 A - Proof (mintage included above) -
ID Numisquare 7677459140
Informações adicionais

Historical Context: The 1895 20 Mark from German New Guinea is a tangible artifact of German imperial ambitions under Kaiser Wilhelm II. Issued during the height of European colonial expansion, this coin symbolized Germany's economic and political projection into its Pacific protectorates. Wilhelm II's reign (1888-1918) pursued Weltpolitik, aiming to establish Germany as a global power. Distinct colonial coinage, rather than metropolitan currency, underscored the Empire's commitment to integrating overseas territories, facilitating commerce, and asserting sovereign presence in distant lands like German New Guinea.

Artistry: The 20 Mark's design reflects prevailing neoclassical and realistic artistic trends of late 19th-century German numismatics. While the specific engraver for this colonial issue is not universally documented, the stylistic approach aligns with prominent German medalists. The obverse features a dignified, uniformed bust of Kaiser Wilhelm II, rendered with meticulous detail, embodying imperial authority. The reverse displays the imposing Imperial German Eagle, a powerful emblem of state, signifying the reach and might of the German Empire across its domains.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .900 fine gold, this 20 Mark coin generally exhibits a strong strike. Key high-points susceptible to wear on the obverse include Wilhelm II's hair above the ear, cheekbone, and the intricate details of his military uniform, particularly the epaulets. On the reverse, the breast feathers of the Imperial Eagle, wing tips, and the crown are typically the first areas to show flattening. Full detail on these features indicates minimal circulation and a well-preserved strike, significantly contributing to the coin's numismatic grade.

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