History of the 20 Reichsmark Gold (Or Reich Mark)

The 20 Reichsmark Gold coin bearing the image of William I, fifth King of Prussia (between 1861 and 1888) and first German Emperor (between 1871 and 1888), is the first 20 Reichsmark Gold coin minted by Prussia.

This design was minted by the mints of these three cities, which were then part of the territory of the Kingdom of Prussia. The Berlin 20 Reichsmark gold coins of William I were issued between 1874 and 1888, the Hanoverian coins in 1874, 1875 and 1877, and the Frankfurt coins in 1874, 1876 and 1878.

In circulation from 1874The 20 Reichsmarks Gold coin of William I was produced until the sovereign's death in 1888 and then replaced by the "Frederick III", which, as its name indicates, bears the profile of Frederick III, son of William I and new King of Prussia and German Emperor.

During the 1948 currency reform, the Reichsmark was abolished in favor of the Deutsche Mark in the tri-zone that would become West Germany, and the Ostmark, or GDR mark, in the Soviet occupation zone. One Reichsmark was worth 1/2790 kg of gold.

The 20 Deutsche Mark gold coin is a testament to Germany's turbulent history, which began under the Kingdom of Prussia. In 1861, following the wars under Napoleon III, William I became the sovereign of Prussia and ruled over the German Confederation. From the moment of his accession to the throne, William I annexed neighboring territories, including Hanover.

In 1870, a fierce war broke out between France and Germany, and a large number of independent German states decided to unite against their adversary, creating a new political order and the Second German Empire. Wilhelm I was then proclaimed "Kaiser" of this new empire. In 1873, he introduced a new currency, the Reichsmark, for all members of the empire. This initially encompassed 54 kingdoms, 6 grand duchies, 5 duchies, 7 principalities, and 3 free cities. Each German state minted its own currency.

The most common currency was the 20 Deutsche Mark coin, used in the states of Prussia, Bavaria, Württemberg, Saxony, and the cities of Hamburg and Baden. However, the most prized were the Deutsche Marks issued in Prussia. Each Deutsche Mark bore the bust of the emperor, either William I or William II, the grandson of the former who succeeded him upon his death.

This coin would later bear the effigy of the kings of the various German states, including Frederick III, who succeeded Wilhelm II, but each independent state, such as Bavaria, Saxony, Württemberg, Baden, and Hamburg, would display a different effigy according to its sovereign. This distinctive feature makes the coin unique, and it is therefore quite prized both for its gold value and its historical significance.

This coin also bears the inscription “Deutscher Kaiser Konig Von Preussen,” meaning “German Emperor, King of Prussia.” Gold ceased to be used for minting coins after World War I, as the country was impoverished, and the new Republic established after the abdication of Wilhelm II opted for a different type of coin and a new material.

Why invest in the 20 Reichsmark Gold?

Renowned for its gold quality and historical value, the 20 Gold Reichsmarks It is prized by investors and collectors. Its limited mintage, coupled with its importance in Germany's monetary history, makes it an essential piece in the gold market.

After 1918The First World War led to the end of the use of gold in currency. Reichsmark officially disappears in 1948replaced by the German Mark in West Germany and by theOstmark in East Germany.

Today, this piece continues to attract history enthusiasts and investors keen to diversify their assets with a tangible and timeless asset.

The 20 Reichsmark Gold is the best-selling investment gold coin in Germany.

Why buy the 20 Reichsmark Gold?

La 20 Reichsmark Gold This coin is a prized asset for investors and collectors. Its rich history, high demand, and high fineness make it a tangible and secure asset. Whether for portfolio diversification or for owning a piece of history, it is an excellent choice.

Stable intrinsic value with a purity of 900 ‰it always retains a value based on the price of gold.
Historic and rare piece : issued between 1874 and 1915It symbolizes a key period in German history.
Strong interest from investors and collectors Its authenticity and high demand make it a good investment.
Exoneration fiscale : in some countries, investment gold coins benefit from VAT exemptions.
Ease of resale : its historical importance and its gold content ensure rapid liquidity.
A tangible and safe-haven asset Unlike digital or financial assets, gold remains a safe haven in times of crisis.

The advantages of the 20 Reichsmark Gold

900‰ fineness : high gold content ensuring a stable value.
Ease of storage : compact format of 7,97 gr for secure storage.
Sought after collector's item : a rare currency with constant demand.
Asset diversification : a tangible asset that protects against inflation.
Historical legitimacy : testimony of the German Empire and unification under William I.