Patterns for the 1913 Prussian 3 Mark were produced to evaluate potential design and metal combinations ahead of the 25th anniversary of Wilhelm II's reign issues. The bronze striking catalogued as X#3b represents a compositional trial — bronze being wholly unsuitable for a circulating silver denomination, its existence is purely documentary, a mint record in metal rather than a coin intended for any commercial purpose.
The anniversary series itself became one of the last major commemorative programs of the German Empire before the outbreak of war the following year ended silver coinage production outright.
Patterns for the 1913 Prussian 3 Mark were produced to evaluate potential design and metal combinations ahead of the 25th anniversary of Wilhelm II's reign issues. The bronze striking catalogued as X#3b represents a compositional trial — bronze being wholly unsuitable for a circulating silver denomination, its existence is purely documentary, a mint record in metal rather than a coin intended for any commercial purpose.
The anniversary series itself became one of the last major commemorative programs of the German Empire before the outbreak of war the following year ended silver coinage production outright.