On 30 Jan 1933 Adolph Hitler was appointed Chancellor by President Paul von Hindenburg that ultimately led to the collapse of democracy and the rise of a dictatorial regime. What followed was a 12 reign of terror and destruction on a world-wide scale unmatched in human history as the great Democracies of the world, along with the Soviet Union, fought to destroy what was supposed to be a thousand year Reich. A Reich fueled by an economic engine remembered and recorded in its coinage struck during the period. As collectors we have an obligation to bear witness to the terrors of the period remembered in its coinage and Ive been looking for legitimate dealers in Nazi era coinage. Does anyone have the same interest and can they point me to some favorite sellers ? Ive found a few that look Legit but I also like recommendations from web sights I trust. Its my understanding that early Nazi Govt. mint coins used a fair amount of silver but this changed due to the needs of war production and that various coins, struck at various Berlin area mints, at various dates, have significant numismatic value. Thank you.
I do agree that history must be remembered and I believe that we do it best with our coins. Having said that I been dealing with coin merchants for a whole lot of years and never remember one that specialized in Nazi era coinage. I recall being stationed in Germany while in the Army around 1980 and locating a German coin dealer. I specifically wanted a Nazi era piece. He eyed me rather suspiciously and pulled a small box out from under his counter with a few pieces in it.... And I rather think that is the way that the era of coinage is still regarded in the hobby simply because the imagery conjures up some pretty intense feelings in many for obvious reasons.... I would bet most legitimate dealers likely have a few pieces "under the counter".... But I sure don't recall anyone specializing in them.
You have to remember that it is illegal to display a swastika in public in Germany, which is probably why coin dealers in Germany would be reluctant to display them... Ebay is probably the best place still to buy them, but in my opinion there were too many made and you really only ever see the common ones for sale. I own some other non coinage pieces that are far more valuable and rarer and way more historical than some Hindenburg 5 Marks coins. Third Reich era proof coins are rare and worth it if they are graded, as are certain types used for occupied areas and ghettos as well. A simple google search for those will yield some good information on those pieces. Also, I collect some pre Third Reich era Notgeld. Some of those pieces can be very interesting and very rare, including silk currency and ceramic coins. Overall, yes Nazis were bad. And history is important, but imagine the same outcry a Swastika gets, with current Renminbi depicting Mao Zedong, or a Ruble depicting a hammer and sickle.... Just remember, there will be plenty of people offended by anything, and yet those same people will collect Roman coinage depicting emperors like Nero. Lack of education regarding history is the main problem.
My interest is 1933 to 1939. Yes I know the German Laws. I think its illegal there to call each other names there too. I was stationed in Germany in the '70s where the remnants of the Third Reich still existed. I could name a thousand tyrants and autocracies thru history whose coins we either collect or know exist. The Romans were no charmers either. The Spanish, French, English, all were vicious slaver Empires as well that also obliterated entire tribes and peoples and/or stole their wealth. History has no shortage of Monsters. But the Nazi's co-opted the economy as much as the Politics or military. Hitler only stayed in power and stayed popular because he turned things around in the economy. Not that he was any great monetary or economic genius but the Nazi economists understood money very well. Much of early Nazi coinage used silver and had mint stamps like ours. I actually found a few places here in the states. A lot came back with our troops as mementos during the war and especially after when a vast American army presence was there as an occupation force. I'll be ordering some soon. Thanks for the responses.
Where were you? I was outside Heilbronn from 79-83 on a little mountaintop called Waldheide if I remember correctly. We worked on a Lutwaffe air strip... A bunch of interlocking steel perforated grids laid out on the hilltop. I didn't much think about it as a kid. I was only interested in getting off duty and finding the closest beer. Sort of gives me the willies now.
I inherited a 1936 5 mark coin. I won't post a picture because frankly I'm disgusted by it, don't know what to ultimately do with it, and there are people who would find this thread and get off on the symbols depicted. We can bear witness without collecting that garbage, I guess is my feeling about it.
