I have always wanted a pattern coin...however with the majority of my collecting life focusing on US coins the changes of me ever obtaining one was slim. The costs are just too high. However, I was browsing one of my foreign coin dealers websites and I came across this coin. I instantly fell in love with the design and I had to buy it. It arrived yesterday and is easily my favorite coin. The coin is a German pattern. It's a 1908-D 25 Pfennig Schaaf 18/G30. It's mintage is unknown but likely in the 100-200 range. This example is graded PF65 RB by PCGS. It has lovely surfaces with great luster and beautiful reverse toning. I tried to capture the toning in the photos but it looks better in hand. This coin was designed by the famous German medalist Karl Goetz and submitted as a proposed design for the new 25 Pfennig coin (a new denomination at the time). This design was not adopted nor were any of the other designs he proposed. The design ultimately chosen became J.18/KM-18 25 Pfennig coin in Nickel and was put into production in 1909.
That's a beauty! I always tried to get a couple of pattern pieces when I did a series of proof coins to add to the story, but they are pretty tough for US coins.
I know he designed some WWI propaganda medals. I'm not sure if he is the person you are thinking of...but yes he did some. He was a very prominent German medalist of that era. http://www.karlgoetz.com/Default1.aspx?SubPageId=87
Thanks. The color is even better in hand. The surfaces are absolutely wonderful. I wish I could have captured them better in the photo.
