Numismatics from Germany: Third Reich – Earnings, History & Collecting
Guide
A Collector’s Guide to Third Reich Coins: History, Design, and
Ethical Insights
Numismatics—the study and collecting of coins
and currency—offers more than just monetary value; it opens a window into
history. Few examples are as striking and sobering as the coins produced in
Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945. Though tied to a dark chapter, these coins
serve as powerful relics of propaganda, economic transition, and craftsmanship.
This guide explores the origins, design
elements, minting changes, and ethical considerations surrounding coins from
the Third Reich. Whether you're a coin collector, history enthusiast, or just
curious, this journey through Nazi-era numismatics offers context, insights,
and guidance for responsible collecting.
1. Historical
Background: From Weimar Inflation to Nazi Coinage
1.1 The Weimar Era
After World War I, Germany faced severe
hyperinflation between 1921 and 1923. During this period, coins like the 10,000
Mark and “Ruhrdukaten” became more curiosities than usable currency. In late
1923, the government introduced the Rentenmark,
stabilizing the economy and halting the monetary freefall.
1.2 Enter the Reichsmark
The Coinage
Act of 1924 replaced the Rentenmark with the Reichsmark, theoretically backed by gold. While gold
coins were never minted again, this currency laid the foundation for the Nazi
regime. After Hitler’s rise in 1933, coins quickly became tools of state propaganda, prominently featuring
swastikas, eagles, and, unofficially in some cases, even his likeness.
2. Symbolism
and Propaganda: Coins as Political Messaging
2.1 Iconography and National Identity
Third Reich coins featured recurring motifs:
the swastika, Reichsadler (imperial eagle), various denominations (Pfennig and Reichsmark), mintmarks (A, B, D, E, F, G, J), and the
inscription “Deutsches Reich.”
These symbols reinforced Nazi ideology in everyday transactions.
2.2 Commemorative Issues
Special editions celebrated figures aligned
with German nationalism:
·
1933
Luther 2 & 5 RM – Marking Martin Luther’s 450th birthday
·
1934
Schiller RM – Honoring poet Friedrich Schiller’s 175th birthday
·
1934
Potsdam RM – Featuring Paul von Hindenburg and the Garrison Church,
commemorating Hitler’s first year in power
2.3 Wartime Material Changes
As WWII progressed, Germany switched from
bronze and silver to cheaper metals like zinc
and aluminum to conserve resources. These substitutions are typical of
late-war issues.
3. Mints,
Mintmarks, and Coin Types
3.1 Mint Locations and Codes
Seven official mints operated under the Third
Reich, each identified by a letter:
·
A
= Berlin
·
B
= Vienna
·
D
= Munich
·
E
= Muldenhütten
·
F
= Stuttgart
·
G
= Karlsruhe
·
J
= Hamburg
Collectors often chase specific mintmark
combinations for rarity and value.
3.2 Denominations and Metals (1933–1945)
|
Denomination |
Metals Used |
|
1–50 Pfennig |
Bronze → Zinc/Aluminum (wartime) |
|
1 Reichsmark |
Nickel |
|
2 & 5 Reichsmark |
Silver (commemoratives; .625–.900 purity) |
Coins
like the 1 Pfennig and 5 Reichspfennig were minted in vast
quantities during wartime, making them common finds today.
4. Collectibility
and Market Value
4.1 Supply, Demand & Pricing
Despite their historical significance, Third
Reich coins are often inexpensive.
As one Redditor puts it:
“They made approximately a metric fuckload of
them… If anything, they’re overpriced, especially the silver ones.”
Mass production and high survival rates keep
prices modest.
4.2 Historic vs. Intrinsic Value
·
Silver
coins (2 & 5 RM): Collectible and valued for silver content;
expect ~$30–$60 for sets
·
Zinc/aluminum
Pfennigs: Often worth mere cents
·
Niche
issues (e.g., 1940–41 military variants) draw more collector interest
4.3 What Drives Value
Rare combinations of mintmarks, metal
content, and preserved condition
(BU, MS) can increase prices. Still, most Third Reich coins remain more
affordable than other WWII-era collectibles.
5. Ethical
Considerations
5.1 Collecting with Context
These coins bear Nazi symbols, which many find
offensive or disturbing. However, when handled respectfully and contextually, they can serve as
historical artifacts rather than glorifications.
5.2 Impact on Jewish Coin Dealers
By 1935, Jewish coin dealers were banned under
Nazi law. This disrupted the numismatic market and contributed to the erasure
of Jewish culture in public life.
5.3 Educational Use
Coins are included in Holocaust and WWII
exhibits (e.g., EHRI, US Holocaust Memorial Museum) as tools to educate, not to idolize. They offer
tangible lessons about ideology, power, and propaganda.
6. Buying
Guide: How to Collect Responsibly
6.1 What to Look For
·
Mintmarks
– Certain letters signify rarity
·
Metals
– Silver is more valuable than wartime zinc
·
Condition
– Uncirculated coins fetch better prices
·
Authenticity
– Hitler never appeared on official coins; beware forgeries
6.2 Where to Buy
Stick with reputable dealers, certified
auctions, or collector communities like:
·
PCGS
·
NGC
·
GIG
(Germany’s coin history society)
6.3 Price Ranges (2024–2025 Estimates)
·
Zinc
Pfennig coins: $0.10–$0.25
·
Common
silver Reichsmarks: $15–$60
·
Rare or
commemorative issues: $70–$400+
7. Preservation
Tips
7.1 Storage
Store coins in archival flips, airtight
capsules, or coin albums. Keep them in a cool, dry, low-humidity place
to prevent corrosion.
7.2 Documentation
Track year, mintmark, composition, weight, and
catalog number (e.g., KM#). This
helps with valuation and organizing.
7.3 Research Resources
·
GIG’s
Geldgeschichtliche Nachrichten
·
Deutsche
Bundesbank’s coin archive
·
PCGS World
Coin Index
8. Understanding
the Bigger Picture
Third Reich coinage reflects the regime’s
political and economic priorities. Early designs favored symbolic silver; wartime coins became functional and cheap. Together, they
tell a story of how coins can be used to influence, manipulate, and endure long
after the regime that minted them.
9. Noteworthy
Coins
1.
1933 5 RM Martin
Luther (KM#80)
Silver, commemorating Luther’s 450th birthday. Popular among collectors.
2.
1934 5 RM
Schiller (KM#82)
Celebrates Friedrich Schiller’s legacy. Often paired with Potsdam issues.
3.
1940 10
Reichspfennig (Zinc)
Military-issued with a swastika and center hole. Uncommon and visually
distinctive.
4.
1940 5
Reichspfennig (Zinc)
Common but representative of war-era austerity. Some rare edge varieties exist.
10. Final
Thoughts: Collect with Care
Collecting coins from the Third Reich isn't
just about acquiring metal—it's about confronting history. Here’s what to
remember:
1.
Historical
relevance – They mirror political ideology and economic struggle.
2.
Abundant supply
– Many are still affordable today.
3.
Value factors
– Metal, mint, condition, and rarity all matter.
4.
Ethical
responsibility – Contextualize, don’t glorify.
FAQs
Q1: Why
are Third Reich coins so cheap?
Because millions were made and many survived in good condition, keeping prices
low.
Q2: Are
Nazi coins legal to collect?
Yes, in most countries—including Germany—for educational and historical
purposes. However, public display that promotes Nazi ideology is restricted.
Q3: How
can I tell if a coin is authentic?
Check mintmarks, weight, metal, and catalog
specs. Be cautious—Hitler’s image never appeared on official coins, so
coins bearing his face are likely fakes or tokens.
Conclusion
Third Reich coins are more than metal—they’re
snapshots of a world in turmoil. As long as they’re collected with historical awareness and ethical care, they can serve as enduring
reminders of how regimes use everyday objects to shape ideology. By studying
and preserving them, we gain not only collector’s insight but also a deeper
understanding of the past.
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