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TRIVIA: German States of the German Empire - the 4 Saxes
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<p>[QUOTE="Clinker, post: 1081861, member: 6229"]Today we step through the portals of time back to those years of the German Empire (1871-1918) to check out the authorized coinage of those German States beginning with <b><i>Saxe</i></b>. There were four Saxe Free German States still in esistance:</p><p> </p><p><b><u>Saxe-Altenburg (<i>Sachsen-Altenburg</i>)</u></b></p><p><b><u>Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (<i>Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha</i>)</u></b></p><p><b><u>Saxe-Meiningen (<i>Sachsen-Meiningen</i>)</u></b></p><p><b><u>Saxe-Weimar-Eisennach (<i>Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach</i>)</u></b></p><p> </p><p>They're listed in Alphabetical order so let's begin with Saxe-Altenburg (all photos courtesy of Coin Archives):</p><p> </p><p><b>NOTE: Saxe-Altenburg</b> was a Duchy. Though there were two Dukes of historical significance in the history of <b>Saxe-Altenburg</b> during the life of the German Empire only one Ernst I (Ernst) was in leadership when Saxe-Altenburg authorized the minting of silver and gold coins in denominations over 1 Mark.</p><p> </p><p>Our first coin takes us back to 1887 and is a gold (0.2305 ounce AGW) 20 Mark coin struck at Berlin (A mint mark):</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=934492&AucID=692&Lot=3010&Val=c03f7bffbcf1b05878b256545da27d32" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=934492&AucID=692&Lot=3010&Val=c03f7bffbcf1b05878b256545da27d32" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-ALTENBURG 1887-A GOLD 20 MARK - ERNST</b></a></p><p> </p><p>We now fast forward to 1901 when Saxe-Altenburg authorized the production of two silver coins honoring Ernst I's 75th Birthday:</p><p> </p><p>Our first 75th Birthday commemorative is this 28mm silver (0.3215 ounce ASW) Zwei (2) Mark coin struck at Berlin:</p><p> </p><p>50,000 for circulation and 500 proofs for collectors.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929773&AucID=687&Lot=1742&Val=b9660769e31512803cbb61958ff1a7f5" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929773&AucID=687&Lot=1742&Val=b9660769e31512803cbb61958ff1a7f5" rel="nofollow"><b>1901-A SILVER 2 MARK - DUKE ERNST'S 75TH BIRTHDAY</b></a></p><p> </p><p>The other commemorative is this 38mm silver (0.8037 ounce ASW) Funf (5) Mark coin struck at Berlin:</p><p> </p><p>20,000 business strikes - 500 proofs:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=934333&AucID=692&Lot=2851&Val=870ae3779d21e956d596131c1dd113ff" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=934333&AucID=692&Lot=2851&Val=870ae3779d21e956d596131c1dd113ff" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-ALTENBURG SILVER 5 MARK - DUKE ERNST'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY </b></a></p><p> </p><p>This time we only need to leave 1901 to visit 1903 so we can look at the last coin authorized by Saxe-Altenburg; this 1903-A 38mm silver (0.8037 ounce ASW) Funf (5) Mark coin issued to honor Ernst I's 50 years of Reign (1853-1903).</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929774&AucID=687&Lot=1743&Val=1071c498be9a638a9e085aa24d119c91" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929774&AucID=687&Lot=1743&Val=1071c498be9a638a9e085aa24d119c91" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-ALTENBURG 1903-A SILVER 2 MARK - DUKE ERNST I'S 50 YEARS OF REIGN</b></a></p><p> </p><p>Now our attention shifts to the 1871-1908 coinage of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha:</p><p> </p><p>Climb aboard our time machine so we can zoom back to the Duchy Saxe-Coburg-Gotha during 1895 when Duke Alfred ruled the state so we can see an authorized silver 2 Mark that was struck at Berlin:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929775&AucID=687&Lot=1744&Val=67e5eac71cb94d9b23c69ec39963cfdb" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929775&AucID=687&Lot=1744&Val=67e5eac71cb94d9b23c69ec39963cfdb" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA 1895-A SILVER 2 MARK - DUKE ALFRED</b></a></p><p> </p><p>Take a look at what else I found; a 1895-A gold 20 Mark</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=904358&AucID=664&Lot=6702&Val=482130172fa787cfe6f1f2ed824de3b5" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=904358&AucID=664&Lot=6702&Val=482130172fa787cfe6f1f2ed824de3b5" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA 1895-A GOLD 20 MARK - DUKE ALFRED</b></a></p><p> </p><p>Let's time travel to 1905 so we can see a silver 2 Mark coin issued under the leadership of Duke Carl Eduard:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929776&AucID=687&Lot=1745&Val=32af22760231180703e9841c09881d14" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929776&AucID=687&Lot=1745&Val=32af22760231180703e9841c09881d14" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA 1905-A SILVER 2 MARK - DUKE CARL EDUARD</b></a></p><p> </p><p>This same design was struck in 1911 at Berlin, but only in proof (100 minted). I couldn't find a photo</p><p> </p><p> Let me point out that two gold coins were struck by Berlin's Mint in 1905:</p><p> </p><p>Ah, heres' one of those. This is the 10 Mark coin. </p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=924824&AucID=682&Lot=921&Val=cc8fa50090e71575e866fc7201b34742" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=924824&AucID=682&Lot=921&Val=cc8fa50090e71575e866fc7201b34742" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA 1905-A 10 MARK - DUKE CARL EDUARD</b></a></p><p> </p><p>This is the 20 Mark:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=924826&AucID=682&Lot=923&Val=e82e604d9c69ce25193319293eca7dbe" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=924826&AucID=682&Lot=923&Val=e82e604d9c69ce25193319293eca7dbe" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA 1906-A 20 MARK - DUKE CARL EDUARD</b></a></p><p>We're now going to 1907 so we can look at a silver 5 Mark issued by Saxe-Coberg-Gotha under the leadership of Duke Carl Eduard:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=924757&AucID=682&Lot=854&Val=86a24f3d09cf87461555916015a2c2af" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=924757&AucID=682&Lot=854&Val=86a24f3d09cf87461555916015a2c2af" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA 1907-A SILVER 5 MARK - DUKE CARL EDUARD</b></a></p><p> </p><p>Time to visit Saxe-Meiningen to examine some of their last coins authorized under agreement of the German Emoire of 1871-1918. This Duchy was under the leadership of two Dukes; Gerorg II from 1866-1914 and Bernherd III 1914-1918.</p><p> </p><p>The first coinage occurred in 1901 honoring Georg II's 75th Birthday:</p><p> </p><p>Our quest uncovers one of these 75th Birthday commemoratives:</p><p> </p><p><b><span style="color: red">The 1905-B Silver 2 Mark:</span></b></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929777&AucID=687&Lot=1746&Val=93126585ea9a285bbc7f82d5fff56113" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929777&AucID=687&Lot=1746&Val=93126585ea9a285bbc7f82d5fff56113" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1901-B 2 MARK - DUKE GEORG II 75TH BIRTHDAY</b></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> And, look here... it's the other 75th Birthday coin;</p><p> </p><p> 1901-B 5 Mark piece:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=889457&AucID=656&Lot=7254&Val=195406b3e91cea05f3d231cb771e8a9e" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=889457&AucID=656&Lot=7254&Val=195406b3e91cea05f3d231cb771e8a9e" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1901-B 5 MARK - DUKE GEORG II 75TH BIRTHDAY</b></a></p><p> </p><p>Let's venture to 1902. Numismatic history tells us two different silver 2 Mark coins were struck in 1902. One of Georg II with a long beard and one with a short beard. I don't know which is which, but here's a 1902 2 Mark - which one it is?</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=916992&AucID=674&Lot=2568&Val=c6dcbb00a85943578e8ebc6a1d585d27" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=916992&AucID=674&Lot=2568&Val=c6dcbb00a85943578e8ebc6a1d585d27" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-NEININGEN 1902-B 2 MARK - DUKE GEORG II</b></a></p><p> </p><p>In 1902 Saxe-Meiningen authorized a silver 5 Mark coin be struck. Two different 1902s were minted; one with <i>GOTT MIT UNS</i> on edge and one without edge text. Here's a photo. Which one it is?</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=934341&AucID=692&Lot=2859&Val=87766fb6457eba081b1e57ca3d64f5bd" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=934341&AucID=692&Lot=2859&Val=87766fb6457eba081b1e57ca3d64f5bd" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1902-B SILVER 5 MARK - DUKE GEORG II</b></a></p><p> </p><p> This same design was struck in 1908 without <b>GOTT MIT UNS</b> on edge:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=883078&AucID=653&Lot=539&Val=99ebfb630570a747c50297a4ac3b6d4d" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=883078&AucID=653&Lot=539&Val=99ebfb630570a747c50297a4ac3b6d4d" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1908-D SILVER 5 MARK - DUKE GEORG II</b></a></p><p> </p><p>A three Mark silver coin was, also, struck in 1908 (the design was repeated in 1913):</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=883079&AucID=653&Lot=540&Val=c1fe31567812d5f70cc472cda83e10ad" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=883079&AucID=653&Lot=540&Val=c1fe31567812d5f70cc472cda83e10ad" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1908-B SILVER 3 MARK - DUKE GEORGE II</b></a></p><p> </p><p>Before we get to the gold coins of Saxe-Meiningen, let's finish the silver issues. These two silver issues were authorized by Bernhard III's leadership and they commemorate the death of Georg II in 1914:</p><p> </p><p><b><span style="color: red">One is this 1915 2 Mark:</span></b></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=916996&AucID=674&Lot=2572&Val=8e133ba72a6941512458672f8a64b40e" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=916996&AucID=674&Lot=2572&Val=8e133ba72a6941512458672f8a64b40e" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1915-B SILVER 2 MARK - DEATH OF GEORG II</b></a></p><p> </p><p>The 3 Mark bears the same designs and devices, but I couldn't find a photo.</p><p> </p><p>Let's examine the gold coins.</p><p> </p><p>Both 10 and 20 Mark gold coins were struck in gold. Here's photos of a few of these:</p><p><b><span style="color: red">Some 10 Mark Gold Pieces</span></b></p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=893131&AucID=660&Lot=3439&Val=a4b552b42e48daa23d8727e20f71d0ab" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=893131&AucID=660&Lot=3439&Val=a4b552b42e48daa23d8727e20f71d0ab" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1898-D 10 GOLD 10 MARK - DUKE GEORG II</b></a></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=889341&AucID=656&Lot=7138&Val=8d841dd5cbd8c0d7f6831ae348d9009c" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=889341&AucID=656&Lot=7138&Val=8d841dd5cbd8c0d7f6831ae348d9009c" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1902-B GOLD 10 MARK - DUKE GEORG II</b></a></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911378&AucID=670&Lot=3532&Val=08b8676e76e100f6afad5bbdf15c0a42" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911378&AucID=670&Lot=3532&Val=08b8676e76e100f6afad5bbdf15c0a42" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1909-D 10 MARK - DUKE GEORG II</b></a></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911379&AucID=670&Lot=3533&Val=66c7ae629707be3eb7862507dd529bec" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911379&AucID=670&Lot=3533&Val=66c7ae629707be3eb7862507dd529bec" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1914-B GOLD 10 MARK - DUKE GEORG II</b></a></p><p> </p><p><b><span style="color: red">Here's a Few 20 Mark Gold Pieces:</span></b></p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911375&AucID=670&Lot=3529&Val=83627ba9ec09411f1f6c29771c56c52c" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911375&AucID=670&Lot=3529&Val=83627ba9ec09411f1f6c29771c56c52c" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1900-B GOLD 20 MARK - DUKE GEORG II</b></a></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911376&AucID=670&Lot=3530&Val=694dd709b1155c8c4bbf4953a3aa0a3b" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911376&AucID=670&Lot=3530&Val=694dd709b1155c8c4bbf4953a3aa0a3b" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1905-B GOLD 20 MARK - DUKE GEORG II</b></a></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911380&AucID=670&Lot=3534&Val=b98cd1b88f490dc3e33ac09f2d92fd05" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911380&AucID=670&Lot=3534&Val=b98cd1b88f490dc3e33ac09f2d92fd05" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1910-B GOLD 20 MARK - DUKE GEORG II</b></a></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911381&AucID=670&Lot=3535&Val=d91c45c73382e6462d24f7101d35374f" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911381&AucID=670&Lot=3535&Val=d91c45c73382e6462d24f7101d35374f" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-MEININGEN 1914-B GOLD 20 MARKS - DUKE GEORGE II</b></a></p><p> </p><p>That said we now turn our attention to the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach who fell under the leadership of Grand Duke Carl Alexander from 1853-1901 then to Grand Duke Wilhem Ernst from 1901-1918:</p><p> </p><p>Let's see if we can find a few of those issued while Carl Allexander was Grand Duke:</p><p> </p><p>Here, look at this 1898 28mm silver (0.3215 ounce) Zwei (2) Mark Struck at the Berlin Mint (A mint mark on obverse near 6:00 o'clock):</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929781&AucID=687&Lot=1750&Val=af1d9d71a42dc09d735617b0b0d309c1" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929781&AucID=687&Lot=1750&Val=af1d9d71a42dc09d735617b0b0d309c1" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1898-A SILVER 2 MARK - GRAND DUKE CARL ALEXANDER</b></a></p><p> </p><p>During the German Empire's first year of existence (1871) Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach authorized this 1871 gold (0.2305 ounce) 20 Mark coin:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=924827&AucID=682&Lot=924&Val=e7a67ef6f77b3c580fa3171a1d84aecd" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=924827&AucID=682&Lot=924&Val=e7a67ef6f77b3c580fa3171a1d84aecd" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1871-A GOLD 20 MARK - GRAND DUKE CARL ALEXANDER</b></a></p><p> </p><p>And in 1895 the Grand Duchy authorized this 1895 gold 20 Mark:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=904358&AucID=664&Lot=6702&Val=482130172fa787cfe6f1f2ed824de3b5" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=904358&AucID=664&Lot=6702&Val=482130172fa787cfe6f1f2ed824de3b5" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1895-A 20 MARK - GRAND DUKE CARL ALEXANDER</b></a></p><p> </p><p>When Wilhelm Ernst became Grand Duke in 1901 the Duchy authorized the minting of this silver 2 Mark coin:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929782&AucID=687&Lot=1751&Val=88a2f17d51e2f9fbf475f4a2c8778d61" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929782&AucID=687&Lot=1751&Val=88a2f17d51e2f9fbf475f4a2c8778d61" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1901-A SILVER 2 MARK - GRAND DUKE WILHEM ERNST</b></a></p><p> </p><p>In 1903 Silver 2 Mark and 5 Mark coins were authorized to commemorate Grand Duke Wilhem Ernst's marriage to his first wife, Caroline. Here's a photo of the 5 Mark:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929783&AucID=687&Lot=1752&Val=dfb7a7f55c98935f1d6469a07f5732a1" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929783&AucID=687&Lot=1752&Val=dfb7a7f55c98935f1d6469a07f5732a1" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1903-A SILVER 5 MARK - FIRST MARRIAGE</b></a></p><p> </p><p>In 1908 the Grand Duchy authorized 2 and 5 Mark silver coins to commemorate the 350th Anniversary of Jena University featuring Freidrich I, the Magnanimous on the coins' obverses:</p><p> </p><p><b><span style="color: red">Here's a photo of the 2 Mark:</span></b></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=914220&AucID=672&Lot=2622&Val=d1076ad8f0c97dc771a88ae5d648ca0f" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=914220&AucID=672&Lot=2622&Val=d1076ad8f0c97dc771a88ae5d648ca0f" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH SILVER 2 MARK - JENA UNIVERSITY 350TH ANNIVERSARY</b></a></p><p> </p><p><b><span style="color: red">Here's a photo of the 5 Mark:</span></b></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929785&AucID=687&Lot=1754&Val=ccc18c5e40e71990e74bce4a2f7d47e7" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929785&AucID=687&Lot=1754&Val=ccc18c5e40e71990e74bce4a2f7d47e7" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1908-A 5 MARK - JENA UNIVERSITY 350TH ANNIVERSARY</b></a></p><p> </p><p>In 1910 the Duchy authorized a silver 3 Mark coin to honor Grand Duje Wilhem Ernst's marriage to his second wife, Feodora:</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=914221&AucID=672&Lot=2623&Val=405571719ca87c90230f41d83dd86dc8" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=914221&AucID=672&Lot=2623&Val=405571719ca87c90230f41d83dd86dc8" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1910-A SILVER 3 MARK - SECOND MARRIAGE</b></a></p><p> </p><p>In 1915 Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach authorized a silver 3 Mark coin to commemorate the Centenary of the Duchy by placing the busts of Grand Dukes Wilhem Ernst and Carl August on the obverse.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929786&AucID=687&Lot=1755&Val=51538f6cddb602d85bcd7e601f0d0e88" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929786&AucID=687&Lot=1755&Val=51538f6cddb602d85bcd7e601f0d0e88" rel="nofollow"><b>SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1915-A 3 MARK - GRAND DUCHY CENTENARY</b></a></p><p> </p><p>Only one gold coin was authorized by Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach under the leadership of Grand Duke Wilhem Ernst and that one is a 20 Mark piece. I couldn't find a photo.</p><p> </p><p>Hope you enjoyed...</p><p> </p><p>Clinker[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="Clinker, post: 1081861, member: 6229"]Today we step through the portals of time back to those years of the German Empire (1871-1918) to check out the authorized coinage of those German States beginning with [B][I]Saxe[/I][/B]. There were four Saxe Free German States still in esistance: [B][U]Saxe-Altenburg ([I]Sachsen-Altenburg[/I])[/U][/B] [B][U]Saxe-Coburg-Gotha ([I]Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha[/I])[/U][/B] [B][U]Saxe-Meiningen ([I]Sachsen-Meiningen[/I])[/U][/B] [B][U]Saxe-Weimar-Eisennach ([I]Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach[/I])[/U][/B] They're listed in Alphabetical order so let's begin with Saxe-Altenburg (all photos courtesy of Coin Archives): [B]NOTE: Saxe-Altenburg[/B] was a Duchy. Though there were two Dukes of historical significance in the history of [B]Saxe-Altenburg[/B] during the life of the German Empire only one Ernst I (Ernst) was in leadership when Saxe-Altenburg authorized the minting of silver and gold coins in denominations over 1 Mark. Our first coin takes us back to 1887 and is a gold (0.2305 ounce AGW) 20 Mark coin struck at Berlin (A mint mark): [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=934492&AucID=692&Lot=3010&Val=c03f7bffbcf1b05878b256545da27d32"][B]SAXE-ALTENBURG 1887-A GOLD 20 MARK - ERNST[/B][/URL] We now fast forward to 1901 when Saxe-Altenburg authorized the production of two silver coins honoring Ernst I's 75th Birthday: Our first 75th Birthday commemorative is this 28mm silver (0.3215 ounce ASW) Zwei (2) Mark coin struck at Berlin: 50,000 for circulation and 500 proofs for collectors. [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929773&AucID=687&Lot=1742&Val=b9660769e31512803cbb61958ff1a7f5"][B]1901-A SILVER 2 MARK - DUKE ERNST'S 75TH BIRTHDAY[/B][/URL] The other commemorative is this 38mm silver (0.8037 ounce ASW) Funf (5) Mark coin struck at Berlin: 20,000 business strikes - 500 proofs: [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=934333&AucID=692&Lot=2851&Val=870ae3779d21e956d596131c1dd113ff"][B]SAXE-ALTENBURG SILVER 5 MARK - DUKE ERNST'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY [/B][/URL] This time we only need to leave 1901 to visit 1903 so we can look at the last coin authorized by Saxe-Altenburg; this 1903-A 38mm silver (0.8037 ounce ASW) Funf (5) Mark coin issued to honor Ernst I's 50 years of Reign (1853-1903). [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929774&AucID=687&Lot=1743&Val=1071c498be9a638a9e085aa24d119c91"][B]SAXE-ALTENBURG 1903-A SILVER 2 MARK - DUKE ERNST I'S 50 YEARS OF REIGN[/B][/URL] Now our attention shifts to the 1871-1908 coinage of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha: Climb aboard our time machine so we can zoom back to the Duchy Saxe-Coburg-Gotha during 1895 when Duke Alfred ruled the state so we can see an authorized silver 2 Mark that was struck at Berlin: [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929775&AucID=687&Lot=1744&Val=67e5eac71cb94d9b23c69ec39963cfdb"][B]SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA 1895-A SILVER 2 MARK - DUKE ALFRED[/B][/URL] Take a look at what else I found; a 1895-A gold 20 Mark [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=904358&AucID=664&Lot=6702&Val=482130172fa787cfe6f1f2ed824de3b5"][B]SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA 1895-A GOLD 20 MARK - DUKE ALFRED[/B][/URL] Let's time travel to 1905 so we can see a silver 2 Mark coin issued under the leadership of Duke Carl Eduard: [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929776&AucID=687&Lot=1745&Val=32af22760231180703e9841c09881d14"][B]SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA 1905-A SILVER 2 MARK - DUKE CARL EDUARD[/B][/URL] This same design was struck in 1911 at Berlin, but only in proof (100 minted). I couldn't find a photo Let me point out that two gold coins were struck by Berlin's Mint in 1905: Ah, heres' one of those. This is the 10 Mark coin. [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=924824&AucID=682&Lot=921&Val=cc8fa50090e71575e866fc7201b34742"][B]SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA 1905-A 10 MARK - DUKE CARL EDUARD[/B][/URL] This is the 20 Mark: [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=924826&AucID=682&Lot=923&Val=e82e604d9c69ce25193319293eca7dbe"][B]SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA 1906-A 20 MARK - DUKE CARL EDUARD[/B][/URL] We're now going to 1907 so we can look at a silver 5 Mark issued by Saxe-Coberg-Gotha under the leadership of Duke Carl Eduard: [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=924757&AucID=682&Lot=854&Val=86a24f3d09cf87461555916015a2c2af"][B]SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA 1907-A SILVER 5 MARK - DUKE CARL EDUARD[/B][/URL] Time to visit Saxe-Meiningen to examine some of their last coins authorized under agreement of the German Emoire of 1871-1918. This Duchy was under the leadership of two Dukes; Gerorg II from 1866-1914 and Bernherd III 1914-1918. The first coinage occurred in 1901 honoring Georg II's 75th Birthday: Our quest uncovers one of these 75th Birthday commemoratives: [B][COLOR=red]The 1905-B Silver 2 Mark:[/COLOR][/B] [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929777&AucID=687&Lot=1746&Val=93126585ea9a285bbc7f82d5fff56113"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1901-B 2 MARK - DUKE GEORG II 75TH BIRTHDAY[/B][/URL] And, look here... it's the other 75th Birthday coin; 1901-B 5 Mark piece: [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=889457&AucID=656&Lot=7254&Val=195406b3e91cea05f3d231cb771e8a9e"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1901-B 5 MARK - DUKE GEORG II 75TH BIRTHDAY[/B][/URL] Let's venture to 1902. Numismatic history tells us two different silver 2 Mark coins were struck in 1902. One of Georg II with a long beard and one with a short beard. I don't know which is which, but here's a 1902 2 Mark - which one it is? [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=916992&AucID=674&Lot=2568&Val=c6dcbb00a85943578e8ebc6a1d585d27"][B]SAXE-NEININGEN 1902-B 2 MARK - DUKE GEORG II[/B][/URL] In 1902 Saxe-Meiningen authorized a silver 5 Mark coin be struck. Two different 1902s were minted; one with [I]GOTT MIT UNS[/I] on edge and one without edge text. Here's a photo. Which one it is? [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=934341&AucID=692&Lot=2859&Val=87766fb6457eba081b1e57ca3d64f5bd"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1902-B SILVER 5 MARK - DUKE GEORG II[/B][/URL] This same design was struck in 1908 without [B]GOTT MIT UNS[/B] on edge: [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=883078&AucID=653&Lot=539&Val=99ebfb630570a747c50297a4ac3b6d4d"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1908-D SILVER 5 MARK - DUKE GEORG II[/B][/URL] A three Mark silver coin was, also, struck in 1908 (the design was repeated in 1913): [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=883079&AucID=653&Lot=540&Val=c1fe31567812d5f70cc472cda83e10ad"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1908-B SILVER 3 MARK - DUKE GEORGE II[/B][/URL] Before we get to the gold coins of Saxe-Meiningen, let's finish the silver issues. These two silver issues were authorized by Bernhard III's leadership and they commemorate the death of Georg II in 1914: [B][COLOR=red]One is this 1915 2 Mark:[/COLOR][/B] [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=916996&AucID=674&Lot=2572&Val=8e133ba72a6941512458672f8a64b40e"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1915-B SILVER 2 MARK - DEATH OF GEORG II[/B][/URL] The 3 Mark bears the same designs and devices, but I couldn't find a photo. Let's examine the gold coins. Both 10 and 20 Mark gold coins were struck in gold. Here's photos of a few of these: [B][COLOR=red]Some 10 Mark Gold Pieces[/COLOR][/B] [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=893131&AucID=660&Lot=3439&Val=a4b552b42e48daa23d8727e20f71d0ab"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1898-D 10 GOLD 10 MARK - DUKE GEORG II[/B][/URL] [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=889341&AucID=656&Lot=7138&Val=8d841dd5cbd8c0d7f6831ae348d9009c"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1902-B GOLD 10 MARK - DUKE GEORG II[/B][/URL] [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911378&AucID=670&Lot=3532&Val=08b8676e76e100f6afad5bbdf15c0a42"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1909-D 10 MARK - DUKE GEORG II[/B][/URL] [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911379&AucID=670&Lot=3533&Val=66c7ae629707be3eb7862507dd529bec"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1914-B GOLD 10 MARK - DUKE GEORG II[/B][/URL] [B][COLOR=red]Here's a Few 20 Mark Gold Pieces:[/COLOR][/B] [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911375&AucID=670&Lot=3529&Val=83627ba9ec09411f1f6c29771c56c52c"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1900-B GOLD 20 MARK - DUKE GEORG II[/B][/URL] [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911376&AucID=670&Lot=3530&Val=694dd709b1155c8c4bbf4953a3aa0a3b"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1905-B GOLD 20 MARK - DUKE GEORG II[/B][/URL] [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911380&AucID=670&Lot=3534&Val=b98cd1b88f490dc3e33ac09f2d92fd05"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1910-B GOLD 20 MARK - DUKE GEORG II[/B][/URL] [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=911381&AucID=670&Lot=3535&Val=d91c45c73382e6462d24f7101d35374f"][B]SAXE-MEININGEN 1914-B GOLD 20 MARKS - DUKE GEORGE II[/B][/URL] That said we now turn our attention to the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach who fell under the leadership of Grand Duke Carl Alexander from 1853-1901 then to Grand Duke Wilhem Ernst from 1901-1918: Let's see if we can find a few of those issued while Carl Allexander was Grand Duke: Here, look at this 1898 28mm silver (0.3215 ounce) Zwei (2) Mark Struck at the Berlin Mint (A mint mark on obverse near 6:00 o'clock): [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929781&AucID=687&Lot=1750&Val=af1d9d71a42dc09d735617b0b0d309c1"][B]SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1898-A SILVER 2 MARK - GRAND DUKE CARL ALEXANDER[/B][/URL] During the German Empire's first year of existence (1871) Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach authorized this 1871 gold (0.2305 ounce) 20 Mark coin: [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=924827&AucID=682&Lot=924&Val=e7a67ef6f77b3c580fa3171a1d84aecd"][B]SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1871-A GOLD 20 MARK - GRAND DUKE CARL ALEXANDER[/B][/URL] And in 1895 the Grand Duchy authorized this 1895 gold 20 Mark: [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=904358&AucID=664&Lot=6702&Val=482130172fa787cfe6f1f2ed824de3b5"][B]SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1895-A 20 MARK - GRAND DUKE CARL ALEXANDER[/B][/URL] When Wilhelm Ernst became Grand Duke in 1901 the Duchy authorized the minting of this silver 2 Mark coin: [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929782&AucID=687&Lot=1751&Val=88a2f17d51e2f9fbf475f4a2c8778d61"][B]SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1901-A SILVER 2 MARK - GRAND DUKE WILHEM ERNST[/B][/URL] In 1903 Silver 2 Mark and 5 Mark coins were authorized to commemorate Grand Duke Wilhem Ernst's marriage to his first wife, Caroline. Here's a photo of the 5 Mark: [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929783&AucID=687&Lot=1752&Val=dfb7a7f55c98935f1d6469a07f5732a1"][B]SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1903-A SILVER 5 MARK - FIRST MARRIAGE[/B][/URL] In 1908 the Grand Duchy authorized 2 and 5 Mark silver coins to commemorate the 350th Anniversary of Jena University featuring Freidrich I, the Magnanimous on the coins' obverses: [B][COLOR=red]Here's a photo of the 2 Mark:[/COLOR][/B] [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=914220&AucID=672&Lot=2622&Val=d1076ad8f0c97dc771a88ae5d648ca0f"][B]SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH SILVER 2 MARK - JENA UNIVERSITY 350TH ANNIVERSARY[/B][/URL] [B][COLOR=red]Here's a photo of the 5 Mark:[/COLOR][/B] [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929785&AucID=687&Lot=1754&Val=ccc18c5e40e71990e74bce4a2f7d47e7"][B]SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1908-A 5 MARK - JENA UNIVERSITY 350TH ANNIVERSARY[/B][/URL] In 1910 the Duchy authorized a silver 3 Mark coin to honor Grand Duje Wilhem Ernst's marriage to his second wife, Feodora: [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=914221&AucID=672&Lot=2623&Val=405571719ca87c90230f41d83dd86dc8"][B]SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1910-A SILVER 3 MARK - SECOND MARRIAGE[/B][/URL] In 1915 Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach authorized a silver 3 Mark coin to commemorate the Centenary of the Duchy by placing the busts of Grand Dukes Wilhem Ernst and Carl August on the obverse. [URL="http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=929786&AucID=687&Lot=1755&Val=51538f6cddb602d85bcd7e601f0d0e88"][B]SAXE-WEIMAR-EISENACH 1915-A 3 MARK - GRAND DUCHY CENTENARY[/B][/URL] Only one gold coin was authorized by Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach under the leadership of Grand Duke Wilhem Ernst and that one is a 20 Mark piece. I couldn't find a photo. Hope you enjoyed... Clinker[/QUOTE]
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