Germany 2 marks 1913 - Wilhelm II - “An Mein Volk” proclamation

Germany · 1913 · 2 marks

Commemorative coinUncommonUNC · Uncirculated

€15.70estimate in UNC

1,500,000coins minted

€14.85silver value · 10 g fine at today’s price

N13477 KM532 J109 AKS140

RZReference number RZRZ-FR7JH

Commemorative coin

Centenary of the “An Mein Volk” proclamation (1813-1913)

The coin's story

This 2 mark coin in 900 thousandths silver, struck in 1913 by the Kingdom of Prussia, commemorates the centenary of the entry into the war against Napoleon. On 17 March 1813, in Breslau, King Frederick William III issued the proclamation “An Mein Volk” (To My People), addressed to Prussians and Germans, it was the first time a King of Prussia had addressed the public directly to justify his policy. One side shows the King on horseback amid a jubilant crowd, with the legend DER KÖNIG RIEF UND ALLE ALLE KAMEN (The King called and all, all came). The other side bears an eagle overcoming a serpent, a symbol of Prussia's resistance to French domination, this design differs from the usual heraldic eagle and is an exception among the commemoratives of the German Empire. The same year, the same subject was also struck on a larger 3 mark coin. The coin was struck at the Berlin Mint and its edge is reeded.

ObverseThe Eagle and the Serpent

DEUTSCHES REICH 1913* ZWEI MARK *

Design: An eagle attacking a serpent.
Legend: DEUTSCHES REICH 1913 (German Empire, 1913).
Denomination: * ZWEI MARK * (two marks).

ReverseThe King's Appeal

DER KÖNIG RIEF UND ALLE ALLE KAMEN ·MIT GOTT·FÜR KÖNIG UND VATERLAND17-3-1813

Design: King Frederick William III on horseback amid the crowd.
Legend: DER KÖNIG RIEF UND ALLE ALLE KAMEN · (The King called and all, all came).
Motto: MIT GOTT·FÜR KÖNIG UND VATERLAND (With God, for King and Fatherland).
Date: 17-3-1813.