(Larger image here)
This project was inspired by the photograph which dominates the top of the page. (scroll over faces for details)
This remarkable assemblage was gathered on 1st September 1863 at Frankfurt-on-the-Main. Called by the Emperor of Austria to try and both influence the formation of the German conferadation and curb Prussia's (the second most powerful nation within the confederation at the time) growing power. Prussia is notably absent from the gathering. A summary of events can be read here . In the picture there are:
1 Emperor
3 Kings
6 Grand Dukes
4 Dukes
9 Princes
1 Elector
4 Free City Mayors
The vast majority of these rulers issued coins with most of them issuing the 1 thaler piece, a common "bullion" coin of the time. My project is to collect a coin for each ruler and to put a coin image beside that of the representative at the meeting in the table below.
Not every space will be filled in the appropriate way. While Freidrich I from Anhalt-Dessau did have coins issued bearing his image they were unfortunately not the thaler nor the 3 Mark Piece. An example of his father Leopold IV will suffice which is somewhat fitting as he was actually still alive at the time of the photograph. Additionally the city of Hamburg did not issue the 1 thaler coin at all so a different demonation will have to act as a representative coin. The 1 thaler coin from Liechenstein is very rare and expensive but thankfully Prince Franz Joseph II authorised a restrike in 1968 and I have been able to obtain one of these.
The Mayors of the four free citys do not, of course issue coins in their name but it should still be possible to obtain a representative type that would have been used at the time. The City of Lubeck did not issue a thaler at the time of this meeting, though it did in the later part of the previous century and it issued 3 Mark coins in the early 20th Century.
It is only Prince Henry of the Netherlands for which no truely suitable coin can be inserted. In his role as "Governor of Luxemburg" he issued no coins at all - However I have used the best example of a Luxemburg 10 Centimes of the time that I have. Indeed, it's amazing to think that out of the 28 individuals in this photograph only 5 did not have their image on a coin.
The rulers are notionally numbered 1 to 28 from left to right. It is worth noting that the order of precedence of these rulers is complex, refering as much to family history as to current title. A summary table can be seen here .
Additionally
Other silver crown sized coins here ,
Other silver minor world coins here ,
Indian rupees here ,
Indian Silver Minor Coins here ,
Indian Copper Coins here ,
British India Collection here ,
Indian Mughal mints identification help list here ,
Medieval penny type coins here ,
Roman coins here ,
Modern Silver Egyptian coins here ,
50 pence coins here ,
£20 coins here ,
Czechoslavakia / Czech Republic silver coins here ,
Other coins list here
Bronze coins list here
a table showing the rulers of Europe and representative coins I have for them can be seen here (warning- large page),
I hope this is of interest.
Malcolm Megaw ©
Rulers from left to right
| Details | Ruler | Image |
Saxe-Coburg-Gotha - Ernst II (1844-1893)Mint: Dresden (F)
Obverse: ERNST HERZOG ZU SACHSEN COBURG-GOTHA; Bare head left
Historical & Economic Note: The edge inscription NACH DER CONVENTION VOM 30 IULY 1838 refers to the Dresden Coinage Convention. This was a pivotal agreement between the states of the Zollverein (German Customs Union) to standardize the silver content of their currencies, a precursor to the eventual unification of Germany. |
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Anhalt - Leopold IV Friedrich (1817-1871)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: LEOPOLD FRIEDRICH HERZOG VON ANHALT; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: The reverse legend "Divided 1603, United 1863" commemorates the reunification of the various Anhalt duchies (Dessau, Bernburg, and Köthen) into a single Duchy of Anhalt under Leopold IV. This coin was minted just one year before the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871.
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Mecklenburg-Schwerin - Friedrich Franz II (1842-1883)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: FRIEDRICH FRANZ V. G. G. GROSSH. v. MECKLENB. SCHW.; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: The edge inscription "Per Aspera Ad Astra" (Through hardships to the stars) was the motto of the Grand Duchy. Friedrich Franz II was a significant military figure who led the Mecklenburg contingents during the Wars of German Unification, including the Second Schleswig War which occurred the same year this coin was minted.
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Mecklenburg-Strelitz - Friedrich Wilhelm (1860-1904)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: FRIEDRICH WILH. V. G. G. GROSSH. V. MECKLENB. STREL.; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Issued during the year of the Franco-Prussian War, this Vereinsthaler represents the final silver standard of the independent Grand Duchy. Friedrich Wilhelm was known for his conservative rule and his personal wealth, which helped keep Mecklenburg-Strelitz relatively debt-free compared to its larger neighbors. The "pious" edge inscription, Gott Schirme Mecklenburg contrasts with the Per Aspera Ad Astra of its neighbor, suggesting a more traditionalist, protective stance during a time of massive European upheaval.
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Schaumburg-Lippe - Adolf Georg (1860-1893)Mint: Hannover (B)
Obverse: ADOLPH GEORG FUERST ZU SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: The edge inscription refers to the "Wiener Münzvertrag" (Vienna Monetary Treaty) of January 1857, which established the Vereinsthaler as the standard currency across the German states and Austria. The Hannover mint was technically Prussian by 1870 (having annexed Hannover in 1866), but it continued to strike local coinage for smaller principalities like Schaumburg-Lippe.
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Free City of Frankfurt - Mayor Dr. Samuel MüllerMint: Frankfurt
Obverse: FREIE STADT FRANKFURT; Eagle of Frankfurt; EIN GEDENKTHALER Historical & Economic Note: This "Gedenkthaler" commemorates the Fürstentag of 1863, a meeting of German princes invited by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria to discuss reforming the German Confederation. It was a final attempt by Austria to assert leadership over the German states before Prussia eventually took control. Dr. Samuel Müller was the "Senior Burgomaster" (Mayor) of the city at the time. Frankfurt was one of only four free cities (along with Hamburg, Bremen, and Lübeck) that remained independent until the Prussian annexation in 1866. This coin captures the last grand gathering of the old German aristocracy in a city that was about to lose its 600-year independence to the rising Prussian military machine.
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Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach - Karl Alexander (1853-1901)Mint: Berlin (A) / Frankfurt
Obverse: CARL ALEXANDER GROSSHERZOG VON SACHSEN; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Karl Alexander was a great patron of the arts, overseeing the "Silver Age of Weimar." He was the grandson of Paul I of Russia and a close friend of Hans Christian Andersen. This Vereinsthaler was minted early in his reign, adhering to the 1857 Vienna Treaty standards that unified German currency. While some Sachsen-Weimar issues were struck locally or in Frankfurt, most of these specific 1858 issues were struck at the Berlin Mint. While he minted these silver thalers, he was also funding the reconstruction of the Wartburg Castle and establishing Weimar as a center for the "Music of the Future," hosting the likes of Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner.
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Kingdom of Saxony - Johann (1854-1873)Mint: Dresden (F)
Obverse: JOHANN V.G.G. KOENIG VON SACHSEN; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: King Johann was known as "The Scholar" ("Der Gelehrte") for his translation of Dante's Divine Comedy into German. The high mintage of nearly 2.5 million meant these coins were the workhorse of the Saxon economy during the mid-19th century industrial boom in cities like Leipzig and Chemnitz.
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Grand Duchy of Oldenburg - Peter II (1853-1900)Mint: Hannover (B)
Obverse: NICOLAUS FRIEDR. PETER GR. H. V. OLDENBURG; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: 1866 was a year of crisis and transition. While many German states were annexed by Prussia, Peter II navigated the conflict carefully, allowing Oldenburg to remain a sovereign Grand Duchy by joining the North German Confederation. The motto on the edge reflects the Duke's deeply principled approach to governance.
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Kingdom of Bavaria - Maximilian II (1848-1864)Mint: Munich
Obverse: MAXIMILIAN II KOENIG V. BAYERN; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Maximilian II was a deeply intellectual king who founded the Maximilianeum and sought to preserve Bavaria's independence as a "Third Force" in Germany between Austria and Prussia. This coin was minted during the peak of the Bavarian industrial expansion, shortly before his sudden death in 1864 and the accession of his famous son, the "Fairytale King" Ludwig II. Bavarian Thalers of this era often exhibit a slightly softer, more classical aesthetic in the portraiture.
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Free and Hanseatic City of Lübeck - Mayor Dr. Karl Ludwig RoeckMint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: FREIE UND HANSESTADT LUEBECK; Double-headed Imperial eagle with city arms on breast Historical & Economic Note: Dr. Karl Ludwig Roeck served as the Burgomaster of Lübeck during a period of significant modernization. As a "Free City," Lübeck did not feature a monarch on its coinage; instead, it used the double-headed eagle. The motto Concordia Domi Foris Pax is a quintessential merchant-republic sentiment. It emphasizes that trade (the lifeblood of the Hansa) depends on internal stability and international peace. Unlike the Prussian eagle, which is single-headed, Lübeck used the double-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire, a traditional right granted to Free Imperial Cities to signify they were subject only to the Emperor, not any local Duke. The mintage of 33,334 looks odd, but it is the recorded number. Often, these odd numbers arose from the city ordering a specific value of silver to be minted, which resulted in a fractional count of coins.
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Reuss-Schleiz (Younger Line) - Heinrich XIV (1867-1913)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: HEINRICH XIV FUERST REUSS J.L.; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Heinrich XIV ruled the Younger Line of Reuss, a small but influential principality in Thuringia. A unique tradition of the House of Reuss was that all male members were named Heinrich to honor Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI; they were numbered sequentially based on their birth within the century. This coin was minted early in his reign, just as the principality was integrating into the North German Confederation. Like many smaller Thuringian states, Reuss outsourced its minting to Berlin.
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Austrian Empire - Franz Joseph I (1848-1916)Mint: Vienna (A)
Obverse: FRANZ JOSEPH I. V. G. G. KAISER V. OESTERREICH; Laureate head right Historical & Economic Note: 1859 was a year of military disaster for Austria, losing the Battle of Solferino and much of its Italian territory (Lombardy). This coin, however, represents a monetary victory; as a "Vereinsthaler," it was legal tender in both Vienna and Berlin, part of an effort to keep Austria at the heart of German economic life before Prussia eventually forced them out in 1866. This 1859 coin shows Franz Joseph as a young man of 29. Remarkably, he would still be on the throne—and still appearing on the Empire's coinage—at the start of World War I, nearly 60 years later.
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Luxembourg - Prince Henry of the Netherlands (Governor)Mint: Brussels (Head of Minerva)
Obverse: GRAND-DUCHÉ DE LUXEMBOURG; Crowned shield of arms within a wreath Historical & Economic Note: Prince Henry, known as "The Navigator," was the Governor of Luxembourg from 1850 until his death in 1879. This 10 Centimes piece was struck during a period when Luxembourg was transitioning its currency to align with the French decimal system, move away from the complex German "Groschen" and "Thaler" denominations seen in the neighboring states.
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Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg - Mayor Dr. Nicolaus Ferdinand HallerMint: Hamburg (J)
Obverse: FREIE UND HANSESTADT HAMBURG; City arms (three-towered castle) supported by two lions Historical & Economic Note: Dr. Nicolaus Ferdinand Haller was a prominent jurist and Mayor of Hamburg during the city's golden age of maritime trade. As a Free City in the German Empire, Hamburg was allowed to retain its city crest on the obverse of its silver 2, 3, and 5 Mark coins, while the reverse displayed the Imperial Eagle, symbolizing the city's dual identity as a sovereign republic within a larger empire. In 1909, Hamburg was the third largest port in the world. This silver 3 Mark coin would have been the standard pocket change of the merchant princes and shipping magnates who built the Speicherstadt (the "City of Warehouses") that still stands today.
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Kingdom of Hannover - Georg V (1851-1866)Mint: Hannover (B)
Obverse: GEORG V V.G.G. KOENIG V. HANNOVER; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Georg V was a first cousin to Queen Victoria. His reign ended tragically in 1866 when he sided with Austria during the Austro-Prussian War. following the Prussian victory, his kingdom was abolished. The edge motto "Nunquam Retrorsum" served as a defiant statement of the House of Welf's ancient pedigree. Struck at the Hannover Mint, which would later (after 1866) be used by Prussia to strike coins for states like Schaumburg-Lippe. The lion and a unicorn motif is a direct heraldic link to the British Royal Arms, reflecting the century-long "Personal Union" where the Kings of Great Britain were also the Electors/Kings of Hannover. Because of the Salic Law (which prevented women from inheriting the Hannoverian throne), the union with Britain ended when Victoria became Queen. This 1859 Thaler represents the twilight of an independent Hannover, just seven years before it vanished from the map of Europe.
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Principality of Waldeck-Pyrmont - Georg Victor (1845-1893)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: GEORG VICTOR FUERST ZU WALDECK U. PYRMONT; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Georg Victor ruled during a period of significant change; in 1867, he entered into a "Treaty of Accession" with Prussia, handing over the administration of his principality to King Wilhelm I to settle Waldeck's mounting debts. Despite this, he remained the titular sovereign. He was also the father of Emma, who became Queen Consort of the Netherlands. The reverse features the "Star of Waldeck," an eight-pointed black star that is the central heraldic symbol of the house. Because Waldeck was small and financially struggling, it was one of the first states to effectively "outsource" its government to Prussia, though Georg Victor famously maintained his royal status and military titles. While his state was small, Georg Victors daughters married into the most powerful houses in Europe—including the Dutch and British Royal families—ensuring the "Waldeck" name remained influential long after its silver thalers ceased to circulate.
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Electorate of Hessen-Kassel - Friedrich Wilhelm I (1847-1866)Mint: Kassel (No mint mark)
Obverse: FRIEDR. WILHELM I. KURFÜRST V. HESSEN; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: This state was one of the few to retain the title of "Elector" even after the Holy Roman Empire collapsed, and its ruler, Friedrich Wilhelm I, was the last of his line before the state was annexed by Prussia in 1866. Friedrich Wilhelm I was a highly unpopular ruler whose reactionary policies and refusal to modernize led to constant friction with his subjects. During the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, he sided with Austria; after his defeat, he was taken prisoner by the Prussians, and his Electorate was formally annexed into the Kingdom of Prussia. This Thaler is a late witness to the state's independence. Friedrich Wilhelm was a "tragic anachronism." He was a man out of time, trying to rule as an absolute monarch in an age of growing democracy. The reverse features the striped "Lion of Hesse." Unlike the Bavarian or Saxon lions, the Hessian lion is traditionally "barry" (striped) in silver and red.
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Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt - Friedrich Günther (1807-1867)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: FRIEDRICH GÜNTHER FÜRST ZU SCHWARZBURG; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Friedrich Günther ruled for an impressive 60 years, beginning his reign under the protection of Napoleon in the Confederation of the Rhine and ending it as a member of the Prussian-led North German Confederation. This 1859 Thaler was struck during a period of relative peace before the wars of unification began in earnest. Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt was one of the few very small states that managed to retain its sovereignty throughout the 19th century without being annexed by larger neighbors, largely due to its loyal alignment with Prussia.
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Principality of Liechtenstein - Johann II (1858-1929)Mint: Vienna (A)
Obverse: JOHANN II. FUERST ZU LIECHTENSTEIN; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Johann II was a legendary philanthropist and patron of the arts who ruled for seven decades. This 1862 Thaler restrike apes the original which was struck at the Vienna Mint during the period when Liechtenstein was closely tied to the Austrian economy. Following the collapse of the Austrian Empire in 1918, Johann II pivoted the nation toward Switzerland, eventually adopting the Swiss Franc. The "Klar und Fest" legend on the edge was Johann II's personal motto. It serves as a stark contrast to the more religious mottos of the German duchies, reflecting a princely stoicism.
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Sachsen-Meiningen - Bernhard II (1803-1882)Mint: Munich / Frankfurt
Obverse: BERNHARD HERZOG ZU SACHSEN MEININGEN; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Bernhard II was a staunch opponent of Prussian hegemony. During the 1866 war, he remained loyal to the Austrian cause. When Prussian troops occupied Meiningen, Bernhard was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Georg II. This 1859 Thaler represents the twilight of his reign. The edge motto "Fideliter et Constanter" was the motto of the Ernestine duchies. For Bernhard, it was a principle he steadfastly kept, refusing to abandon his allies even when Prussian dominance became inevitable. The reverse features the "Multi-Quartered" coat of arms, which shows the various territories (Meiningen, Hildburghausen, Saalfeld, etc.) that were consolidated into this single duchy in 1826.
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Schwarzburg-Sondershausen - Günther Friedrich Carl II (1835-1880)Mint: Arnstadt (A)
Obverse: GÜNTHER FR. CARL II. FÜRST Z. SCHWARZB. SONDERSH.; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Günther Friedrich Carl II was a modernizing prince who oversaw the industrialization of his small state and its entry into the Zollverein (Customs Union). The Arnstadt Mint was relatively small, which accounts for the low mintage figures. Unlike the "Rudolstadt" line, the "Sondershausen" line featured the Prince's head facing left. Despite his small borders, Günther Friedrich Carl II was savvy; he sided with Prussia early, ensuring that while other neighbors like Hessen-Kassel were being wiped off the map, Sondershausen remained a sovereign state within the new Empire.
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Free Hanseatic City of Bremen - Mayor Arnold DuckwitzMint: Hannover (B)
Obverse: FREIE HANSESTADT BREMEN; City arms (The Key) held by two lions; EIN THALER GOLD below Historical & Economic Note: Arnold Duckwitz was a towering figure in German maritime history, serving as the Imperial Minister of Commerce in 1848. This coin is unique because it is a "Thaler Gold"—not made of gold, but rather a thaler valued in the Bremen gold standard (the Louis d'or), making it a hybrid piece of German monetary history. This thaler commemorates the Second German Federal Shooting Match held in Bremen. These shooting thalers were semi-commemorative. While they were legal tender, they were often kept as souvenirs of the massive national shooting competitions, which were actually coded political gatherings for those who wanted a unified Germany.
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Grand Duchy of Baden - Friedrich I (1852-1907)Mint: Karlsruhe (G)
Obverse: FRIEDRICH GROSHERZOG VON BADEN; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Friedrich I was one of the most beloved of the German princes. He was a pioneer of constitutional monarchy and played a crucial role at the Palace of Versailles in 1871, where he was the first to proclaim his father-in-law as "Emperor Wilhelm." This 1869 Thaler was struck just a year before the Franco-Prussian War changed the face of Europe forever. Zuverlässig und Treu (Reliable and Loyal) was the state motto. It reflected Friedrich's political stance: he was reliable in his support for German unity and loyal to the constitutional rights of his citizens.
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Duchy of Nassau - Adolph (1839-1866)Mint: Wiesbaden (No mark)
Obverse: ADOLPH HERZOG ZU NASSAU; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Duke Adolph was another victim of the 1866 Austro-Prussian War. After siding with Austria, his duchy was annexed by Prussia. However, Adolph had the last laugh; in 1890, he inherited the throne of Luxembourg, founding the current reigning dynasty there. This Thaler is one of the final coins minted before the Duchy's independence was extinguished.
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Duchy of Brunswick - Wilhelm (1831-1884)Mint: Hannover (B)
Obverse: WILHELM HERZOG Z. BRAUNSCHWEIG U. LÜNEB.; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Wilhelm was the younger brother of the "Diamond Duke" Karl II, who was deposed in 1830. Wilhelm took the throne and proved to be a far more stable and popular ruler. Because he never married and had no legitimate heirs, his death in 1884 sparked a constitutional crisis between the House of Guelph and the Prussian Hohenzollerns. The motto ("Difficulties Do Not Terrify") is synonymous with the Guelph dynasty. It often appeared alongside the "White Horse of Brunswick," which can be seen in the quarters of the coat of arms on the reverse.
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Grand Duchy of Hessen-Darmstadt - Ludwig III (1848-1877)Mint: Darmstadt (No mark or L)
Obverse: LUDWIG III GROSHERZOG VON HESSEN; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Ludwig III was a cousin to the Russian Tsar and the British Royal Family (his nephew married Queen Victoria's daughter, Alice). In 1866, his troops fought alongside Austria. While the state survived the Prussian victory, the "Upper Hesse" province was absorbed into the North German Confederation, creating a complex dual-status for the Grand Duchy until the full unification of 1871. Ludwig III’s Grand Duchy survived the 1866 war though it was forced to cede territory and join the North German Confederation.
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Kingdom of Württemberg - Karl I (1864-1891)Mint: Stuttgart (F)
Obverse: KARL KOENIG VON WUERTTEMBERG; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Struck in 1871, this Vereinsthaler belongs to the final years of the traditional German thaler system, just as the new German Empire was being proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Although Württemberg retained its own king, army traditions, and internal administration, Karl I was now a federal monarch within the Empire rather than an independent sovereign. The coin’s reverse shows the crowned Württemberg arms supported by the heraldic Lion of Swabia and the Stag of the House of Württemberg—motifs that had become emblematic of the kingdom’s silver coinage. The edge inscription, “CHRISTIANUS UND FIDELIS” (“Christian and Faithful”), reflects the conservative and devout character of the Württemberg court. Karl I’s reign coincided with the early industrial expansion of Stuttgart, which would soon become a center of German engineering and manufacturing.
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Who didn't attend?
| Details | Ruler | Image |
Kingdom of Prussia - Wilhelm I Coronation IssueMint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: WILHELM KOENIG AUGUSTA KOENIGIN V. PREUSSEN; Jugate (overlapping) crowned busts of the King and Queen Historical & Economic Note: Wilhelm I insisted on a coronation ceremony at Königsberg to emphasize that he received his crown from "God's hand" rather than from the people or parliament. This coin marks the beginning of a reign that would see Prussia transform from a German power into the dominant force of the German Empire. It is the first Prussian coin to feature the "jugate" style portrait of the royal couple. The "Suum Cuique" Motto Found on the reverse, is a Latin phrase which means "To each his own." It was the motto of the Order of the Black Eagle, the highest order of chivalry in the Kingdom of Prussia.
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Kingdom of Prussia - Wilhelm I "Victory Thaler"Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: WILHELM KOENIG VON PREUSSEN; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: This coin was minted using silver from the massive 5-billion-franc indemnity paid by France following her defeat. It depicts Germania, the personification of the German nation, in a triumphal pose. This was the final commemorative Thaler of the Prussian era before the transition to the new "Mark" currency system in 1873. By issuing these coins in million Prussia was signaling to the world—and to the other German states like Bavaria and Saxony—that the old days of fragmented principalities were over, and the era of the Kaiser had arrived.
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Kingdom of Denmark - Frederik VII (1848-1863)Mint: Copenhagen (♔)
Obverse: FREDERIK VII KONGE AF DANMARK; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Frederik VII was the last Danish king of the older Oldenburg line and the monarch who signed the constitution making Denmark a constitutional monarchy. This 2 Rigsdaler was the highest denomination of silver coinage in circulation, used for major transactions before the move to the Krone system in 1873.
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Principality of Reuss-Greiz (Elder Line) - Heinrich XXII (1859-1902)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: HEINRICH XXII V.G.G. AELT. L. SOUV. FUERST REUSS; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Heinrich XXII was perhaps the most anti-Prussian prince in the entire German Empire. He famously referred to the German Emperor as merely a "colleague" and refused to allow a Prussian military parade in his capital. Because his principality was tiny (the "Elder Line" consisted mostly of the city of Greiz), mintages were exceptionally small. Despite his hatred for Prussian politics, Heinrich XXII was forced by economic reality to have his coins struck at the Berlin Mint, as it was the most efficient way to adhere to the 1857 Monetary Treaty standards. While the rest of Germany was falling in line behind the Kaiser, the man on this coin was busy banning Prussian newspapers and insisting on his absolute sovereignty over a territory you could walk across in an afternoon. This Thaler is a shimmering piece of silver defiance.
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Principality of Lippe-Detmold - Leopold III (1851-1875)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: LEOPOLD III. FUERST ZUR LIPPE; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Leopold III was a staunch supporter of Prussian leadership early on, which secured Lippe's survival as an independent state when neighbors like Hannover were being annexed. On the reverse shield, you will see the Lippe Rose, a five-petaled heraldic flower that has represented the House of Lippe since the 12th century. It remains a symbol of the region today. While Lippe had its own history of minting, by 1860, the production of these high-denomination silver thalers was outsourced to the Berlin Mint to ensure they met the strict technical requirements of the Zollverein (Customs Union). Leopold III's decision to join the North German Confederation voluntarily in 1866 (rather than being forced) meant his face remained on the coinage for nearly another decade after many of his peers were deposed.
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Duchy of Anhalt-Bernburg - Alexander Carl (1834-1863)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: ALEXANDER CARL HERZOG ZU ANHALT; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Alexander Carl suffered from progressive mental illness, leading his wife, Duchess Frederica, to act as regent for much of his later reign. This 1859 Thaler is a "Type 1" issue, struck just four years before the Bernburg line became extinct. The wealth of the duchy was largely tied to the Harz silver mines, which historically provided the metal for these very coins.
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Duchy of Anhalt - Leopold IV Friedrich (1817-1871)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: LEOPOLD FRIEDRICH HERZOG VON ANHALT; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: This coin acts as a "census" of Anhalt history. The reverse legend explicitly mentions the date the house was split (1603) and the date it was reunified (1863) following the death of the childless Alexander Carl of Anhalt-Bernburg. By 1863, Leopold was the last remaining Duke of the House of Ascania, making him the natural heir to the unified throne. The edge motto is "GOTT SEGNE ANHALT" (God Bless Anhalt). This was a departure from the Prussian "Gott Mit Uns" (God With Us) found on many other Vereinsthalers, emphasizing the Duke's specific paternal care for his newly unified land.
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Sachsen-Altenburg - Ernst I (1853-1908)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: ERNST HERZOG VON SACHSEN ALTENBURG; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Ernst I was a career soldier in the Prussian army, which influenced his decision to side with Prussia early in the 1866 conflict. This loyalty ensured that Sachsen-Altenburg remained an independent duchy within the North German Confederation and the later German Empire. Struck in 1869, this coin is one of the final Thaler issues before the introduction of the Imperial Mark. The reverse features the classic Saxon coat of arms—the horizontal black and gold stripes (the Ballen) crossed by the green diagonal "Crancelin" (the crown of rue).
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Hesse-Homburg - Ferdinand (1848-1866)Mint: Frankfurt (No mark)
Obverse: FERDINAND SOUV. LANDGRAF Z. HESSEN; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Ferdinand was an old soldier of the Napoleonic Wars and the last Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg. When he died childless in March 1866, the state was briefly inherited by Hesse-Darmstadt, only to be annexed by Prussia just months later after the Seven Weeks' War. This 1862 Thaler is a rare relic from the final four years of the Landgraviate's 244-year history. Historically, Hesse-Homburg was famous for its gambling casino (which later moved to Monte Carlo).
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Kingdom of Württemberg - Wilhelm I (1816-1864)Mint: Stuttgart (F)
Obverse: WILHELM KOENIG VON WUERTTEMBERG; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Wilhelm I was known as the "Farmer King" because of his dedication to agricultural reform (he founded the Cannstatter Volksfest). He was a key architect of the 1837 Munich Coinage Treaty, which laid the groundwork for the silver thaler standards. He died in 1864, just as the tensions between Prussia and Austria were reaching a breaking point.
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Reuss-Schleiz (Younger Line) - Heinrich LXVII (1854-1867)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: HEINRICH LXVII V.G.G. REG. FÜRST REUSS J.L.; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Heinrich LXVII was a man of the old world—a veteran of the Napoleonic era and a conservative ruler. The "J.L." on the obverse stands for Jüngere Linie (Younger Line). Unlike the Elder Line, which faced Prussian occupation, the Younger Line joined the North German Confederation voluntarily in 1866, preserving its status into the Imperial era.
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Other Austria/German large silver coins
Over time, the thaler (taler) denomination was discontinued, though the 3 mark denomination, similar in size, was considered it's successor.
| Details | Ruler | Image |
Kingdom of Prussia - Friedrich Wilhelm III (1797-1840)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: FRIEDR. WILHELM III KOENIG VON PREUSSEN; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: This Thaler was struck under the Prussian Coinage Act of 1821 (though the style began in 1816). Unlike the later .900 fine silver coins, this 1818 issue is .750 fine silver (the 14-Löthiger standard). It represents Prussia's effort to stabilize its economy following the exhaustion of the Napoleonic Wars. Friedrich Wilhelm III was known for his personal frugality and dislike of pomp. His coinage reflects this, moving away from the ornate wigs of the 18th century to a simple, "citizen-king" style bare head. The reverse depicts the Prussian Eagle perched upon a pile of armor and weapons (trophies of war). This was a deliberate piece of propaganda to remind the population of Prussia’s pivotal role in defeating Napoleon at Leipzig and Waterloo.
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Kingdom of Prussia - Friedrich Wilhelm III (Mining Issue)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: FRIEDR. WILHELM III KOENIG V. PREUSSEN; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: The Mansfeld district was one of the oldest and most productive mining areas in Germany. "Segen des Mansfelder Bergbaus" was a traditional inscription used to celebrate the economic "blessing" provided by the earth. These coins were often distributed as bonuses to mining officials or used to showcase the state's mineral wealth.
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Kingdom of Prussia - Friedrich Wilhelm IV (1840-1861)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: FRIEDR. WILHELM IV KOENIG V. PREUSSEN; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Friedrich Wilhelm IV famously refused the imperial crown offered by the Frankfurt Parliament in 1849 because it came from the "people" rather than "by the grace of God." This 1855 Thaler reflects that traditionalism, maintaining the 22.27g weight standard that had been in place since his father's time. By 1857, he would suffer a stroke, leading his brother (the future Wilhelm I) to take over as Regent. Just two years after this coin was struck, the 1857 Vienna Monetary Treaty replaced this standard with the Vereinsthaler. The design remains consistent with the post-1816 style, featuring the eagle atop a drum, standards, and a cuirass, signaling Prussia's military heritage.
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German Empire (Prussia) - Wilhelm II (1888-1918)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: WILHELM II DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: 1913 marked the 25th anniversary of Wilhelm II's accession to the throne (the "Silver Jubilee"). While this is a standard circulation type, the year was one of immense national celebration and military buildup. These 16.67g silver pieces were the final high-denomination silver coins of the Empire before the hyperinflation of the 1920s rendered precious metal coinage obsolete. For many Germans, these 3 Mark pieces represented the last "hard money" they would see for decades. Once the war began in 1914, silver was hoarded, and "Paper Marks" (Papiermark) took over.
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Kingdom of Bavaria - Ludwig II (1864-1886)Mint: Munich (D)
Obverse: LVDOVICVS II BAVARIAE REX; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Ludwig II was a deeply religious man and a patron of Richard Wagner. He revived the "Madonna" reverse for his thalers, a design dating back to the 1600s, to emphasize Bavaria's Catholic identity. By 1868, Ludwig was already withdrawing from public life to focus on his architectural "fantasies". Just two years before this coin was struck, Ludwig’s Bavaria was defeated by Prussia. He was forced to accept a subsidiary role in a Prussian-led Germany, an indignity that might well have fueled his desire to escape into his "Fairytale" world. Known as the "Mad King" or the "Fairytale King," Ludwig II is more famous for building Neuschwanstein Castle than for his politics.
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Kingdom of Bavaria - Otto (1886-1913)Mint: Munich (D)
Obverse: OTTO KOENIG VON BAYERN; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Otto succeeded his famous brother, Ludwig II, in 1886. Although he was technically King, his "reign" was entirely symbolic. Otto reigned for 27 years (1886–1913), but because of severe mental illness, he never actually governed. While his face appeared on millions of silver coins he remained secluded in Fürstenried Palace while his uncle, and later his cousin, ruled as Regents. In 1913, the constitution was amended to allow the Regent to become King Ludwig III, finally ending Otto's long, silent tenure. Otto was reportedly never fully aware that he was the monarch whose face graced the pockets of his subjects.
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Kingdom of Bavaria - Luitpold, Prince Regent (1886-1912)Mint: Munich (D)
Obverse: LVITPOLD PRINZ-REGENT V. BAYERN 1821 * 12. MÄRZ * 1911; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Luitpold took over the government after his nephew Ludwig II was declared insane in 1886. He remained Regent for his other "insane" nephew, Otto. His reign is remembered as a "Golden Age" for Bavaria—a time of immense cultural and artistic flourishing in Munich. He was so popular that the people often forgot he wasn't actually the King.
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Kingdom of Bavaria - Ludwig III (1845-1921)Mint: Munich (D)
Obverse: LUDWIG III KOENIG VON BAYERN; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Struck at the very dawn of World War I, this coin marks the end of the Wittelsbach dynasty's 738-year rule. Ludwig III was a practical, agriculturally-minded man (nicknamed "Dairy-Farmer Ludwig"). As the war progressed, silver was pulled from circulation, making these 1914 strikes the last substantial silver issues the Bavarian people would carry before the monarchy's collapse in 1918.
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Grand Duchy of Baden - Friedrich II (1907-1918)Mint: Karlsruhe (G)
Obverse: FRIEDRICH II GROSSHERZOG VON BADEN; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Friedrich II was the son of Friedrich I and Princess Louise of Prussia (daughter of Wilhelm I). This lineage made him the first cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Despite these close Prussian ties, he maintained Baden’s distinct identity. This 1909 coin was struck during the stable "Belle Époque" period of his reign, before he became the first German prince to announce he would not resist the revolution in 1918. On the reverse, the Imperial Eagle carries a small shield on its breast. For Baden, this features a red diagonal bend (stripe) on a yellow field, the traditional colors of the House of Zähringen. Friedrich II was so well-liked that when the 1918 revolution broke out, the local councils actually asked him to stay on as a private citizen because of his dedicated service to the state.
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Kingdom of Württemberg - Wilhelm II (1891-1918)Mint: Stuttgart (F)
Obverse: WILHELM II KOENIG VON WUERTTEMBERG; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Wilhelm II was the last King of Württemberg. He was deeply respected for his simple lifestyle and his dedication to the welfare of his subjects. This 1909 issue, with a healthy mintage of nearly 2 million, was a pillar of the South German economy. When he was forced to abdicate in 1918, he famously remarked that he only wanted to be remembered as a "good citizen." Unlike his cousin, the Kaiser in Berlin, Wilhelm II was famously approachable—often seen walking his dogs in the streets of Stuttgart without a bodyguard. Keeping with Wilhelm’s humble persona, he chose to be depicted without a crown or military finery, mirroring the "citizen-king" style seen in your earlier Prussian Friedrich Wilhelm III pieces. The small shield on the eagle's chest contains the three stag antlers of the House of Württemberg on the left, and the three lions of the Hohenstaufen dynasty on the right.
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Holy Roman Empire - Francis II (1792-1806)Mint: Milan (M) or Brussels (Head of Angel)
Obverse: FRANCISC. II. D. G. R. I. S. A. GER. HIE. HVN. BOH. REX; Laureate head right Historical & Economic Note: Francis II was the last Holy Roman Emperor. He dissolved the Empire in 1806 to prevent Napoleon from usurping the title. This coin was struck during the War of the First Coalition. The "X" shaped cross on the reverse is the Cross of Burgundy. This was the traditional symbol of the Spanish and later Austrian Netherlands. The three crowns placed in the angles represent the diverse territories Francis ruled under the Habsburg crown. The Kronenthaler was designed to be a "hard" currency that could hold its own against the Spanish 8 Reales and the French silver issues. While French revolutionaries were minting coins with "Liberty" and "Equality," Francis II was doubling down on tradition. This Thaler isn't just money; it’s a political statement in silver, claiming titles to lands in Italy and Belgium that were literally being conquered by Napoleon's armies as the coin fell from the press.
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Kingdom of Saxony - Friedrich August III (1904-1918)Mint: Muldenhütten (E)
Obverse: FRIEDRICH AUGUST KÖNIG V. SACHSEN; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: Friedrich August III was the last of the Albertine line of the House of Wettin. He was famous for his informal manner; upon his abdication in 1918, he reportedly told the revolutionary committee, "Well, then do your rubbish yourself!" This 1913 coin was struck just before the world he knew collapsed, produced at the specialized Muldenhütten mint which was located near the silver mines of Freiberg. The small shield on the eagle's chest features the horizontal black and gold stripes of Saxony, crossed by the diagonal green Rautenkranz (crown of rue).
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Reuss-Greiz (Elder Line) - Heinrich XX (1836-1859)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: HEINRICH XX V.G.G. ÄLT. L. SOUV. FÜRST REUSS; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Heinrich XX was the penultimate ruler of the Elder Line before the state’s famously difficult relationship with Prussia began. The "ÄLT. L." on the obverse stands for Ältere Linie (Elder Line). Struck just one year before his death, this coin represents one of the final issues of his reign. Because of the tiny mintage, these coins were rare even in the 1850s and were likely kept as status symbols by the Greiz elite. The edge inscription OMNIA CUM DEO was the personal and state motto of the House of Reuss. It reflects the deeply conservative, Lutheran character of the Greiz court. The reverse coat of arms is incredibly dense for such a small state, featuring the Reuss Lion and the Crane of Kranichfeld, topped by a lavishly draped princely mantle.
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Kingdom of Hannover - Ernst August (1837-1851)Mint: Hannover (B)
Obverse: ERNST AUGUST V. G. G. KOENIG VON HANNOVER; Bare head right Historical & Economic Note: This is a "Mining Thaler" (Ausbeutetaler), struck from silver mined in the Harz Mountains. The reverse legend "BERGSEGEN DES HARZES" translates to "Blessing of the Harz Mines." Ernst August was a deeply conservative ruler who rescinded the liberal constitution upon his arrival, a move that led to the famous protest of the "Göttingen Seven." He died in 1851, the same year this coin was struck. The reverse coat of arms displays the Guelphic Lion and the White Horse of Hannover, symbols that also appear on British coins of the Georgian era. Ernst August was the fifth son of George III and he was unpopular in London due to his reactionary politics, but in Hannover, he was seen as a strong, independent monarch who brought the royal court back to the city. This Thaler, with its "Blessing of the Harz" legend, was a point of national pride, showcasing the kingdom's mineral wealth independently of the British Empire he had left behind.
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Grand Duchy of Hesse - Ernst Ludwig (1892-1918)Mint: Berlin (A)
Obverse: ERNST LUDWIG GROSSHERZOG VON HESSEN; Bare head left Historical & Economic Note: Ernst Ludwig was the brother of Empress Alexandra of Russia (wife of Nicholas II). He turned his capital, Darmstadt, into a world-renowned center for modern art and architecture. This 1910 coin was struck during the stable years of the Empire; despite his close ties to the British and Russian crowns, he remained a loyal member of the German Federation until the revolution in 1918. The reverse Imperial Eagle carries a shield featuring the Hessian Lion—a lion rampant, striped horizontally with red and white (the "Lion of Brabant").
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