If there is any moment to start this thread, it's now. Exactly a century ago, the German empire invaded Belgium and France, starting hostilities on the western front. The 'excuse' had been the killing of the Austro-Hungarian (Hapsburg) crown prince, Franz Ferdinand, in Sarajevo in July 1914 by a Serb nationalist. Europe was tied up in opposing alliances increasing the warfare risk.
We start the thread with coins issued by any country involved in to WW-I in 1914 or before, if the coin is specifically related to WW-I. For example if any coin glorifies nationalism and contributes to the building up of international tension. For example the 1913 Prussian 2 Mark coin; https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces13477.html is a good example. There also is a very similar 3 Mark coin.
(Clicking the image expands it to true size and resolution)
Underneath the picture of the emperor is written: "Mit Gott für König und Vaterland" (With God for King and Country). The coin commemorates the victory over Napoleon in 1813, thereby emphasizing hostile feelings towards France (whereas it had been Germany starting the previous war in 1870). There probably aren't that many such coins, so any coins issued by a country involved in to WW-I in 1914 are warmly welcomed.
You will have ample time to post your 1914 WW-I wartime coins as we will move on to 1915 only by Monday August 25. After that a three weeks per year pace should bring us to 1918 and possibly closing the thread by Armistice on November 11.
To be very precise and explicit: coins of 1915 start on 25 August '14, 1916 coins start on September 15, coins of 1917 start showing on October 6 and finally 1918 starts on October 27. That's also the time to post specific WW-I commemorative coins issued by any of the countries involved ... if you have any of those. Enjoy !
Quote: GwydeThe 'excuse' had been the killing of the Austrian Hapsburg crown prince in Sarajevo in July 1914 by a Serb nationalist.
Just to be precise: ... "the killing of Franz Ferdinand or Ferenc Ferdinánd, Crown Prince of Austria and Hungary."
...and also how the spelling of Habsburg with a "p" got into the English I have no clue.
Here is a coronation medallion from 1917 commemorating the coronation of Charles IV as the last King of Hungary (also known as Charles I. of Austria); It is a bronze enameled medal, 65mm, depicting His Majesty on the obverse and the Hungarian Coronation jewels on the reverse.
And a commemorative medal, mourning over the grave of the dead and torn-apart nation from 1935. Bronze, 119,85 gramms, 75 mm. The obverse depicts a broken heart inside are the original boundaries of historic Hungary with lettering. "így volt - így lesz" (this is how it was, this it how it will be); above is the Holy Hungarian Crown with the double cross. The reverse is a symbolic grave of the Hungarian Kingdom (using the symbolism of the 3 Hungarian mountains (Tatra - Matra - Fatra)) - with a birthday of 896 and passing away in 1918.
I just took another picture of the reverse of the 2 Mark coin dating 1913 (the obverse is in the opening post):
It depicts the eagle (Germany) picking at a snake it caught (France). As cultivation of an 'enemy image' on behalf of German authorities, that can count.
Thanks for adding more details, Imreh. I've seen some Franz-Joseph florins with different versions minted in Hungary than those in Austria.
... and I used to write 'Habsburg' with b as we do all over continental Europe. The correct English seems somewhat unnatural indeed.
Nice thread. Love the coin design shown in the first post. I was very close to picking up a naturally toned example, but, upon closer examination with larger photos, it turned out to be toned over many hairline scratches or an old cleaning. Oh well, until next time.
So I found this Ottoman Empire 40 Para AH 1327//6 in AD is 1916.
Yes , Ottoman Empire was involved in WWI, from 1916, in the Eastern Front, it was on the Austro - Hungarian and Germany side and fought all over the today's Middle East against British, British Empire, Russian and Egypt troops. Although most of articles on WWI are concentrated around the war in Belgium trenches, there was heavy fighting in the Ottoman Empire territories as well, including Balkan's and Middle East. With the end of WWI Ottoman Empire dissolved same as Austro - Hungarian, Russian, and German Empires.
Oops! I am sorry, only now I am reading the rules of the thread! Sorry about that!
Belgian 20 Francs, 1914. This was the last Belgian gold coin issued for circulation. The obverse pictures King Albert I. Wilhelm II, the German emperor, happened to be a cousin of him. No need to explain why they were not on speaking terms any longer in August 1914.
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The Austrians had some excellent Great War (WWI) propaganda. The ones displayed are issued for Austrian territories, such as Bosnia-Herzegovnia, and for "local offices" in France and the Ottoman Empire. Jamaica was one of the few British colonies to issue stamps promoting the war effort, except from some colonial "war stamp" overprints. The Ottoman Empire also payed tribute to the war, with some late issues displayed here before the republic.
This German banknote also features perfect symbols of German superiority in Europe: anvil and yoke representing industry and agriculture in the motherland, and warships in the background. Really badass propaganda.
Kenny
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In the UK, the nick for a shilling used to be a 'bob'. I don't really know how far in history this goes back. So, after the modest penny, we have a 1914 silver bob here:
Belgian 5 Centimes 1914 coin. These nickel-copper coins had been issued from 1901 onward. First with the 'L' monogram of the prior king Leopold and from 1910 with the 'A' monogram of king Albert on the obverse. This version has its legend in Dutch. On the reverse the indication is 'Cen' from 'Centimen' (duth plural). https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces295.html
Obverse (with the date)
Reverse:
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On the reverse left '1 Frank' withing wreath with the national motto: 'Eendracht maakt macht' (Unity brings force). On the Obverse, King Albert and 'Albert, and the legend: 'Koning der Belgen'.
(click to enlarge)
... and another call to post your 1914 coins of the nations at war.
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From time to time I sell some coins on Ebay make sure to follow me @apuking on Ebay.
We 've seen at least two 1 Mark coins, so I'm withholding mine. Hereby a 1914 Prussian 3 Mark coin instead. https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces26642.html
Obverse:
Reverse:
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I quite like your Bavarian 5 Mark, Apuking. An exceptional grade as well.
One last call for 1914 coins of the nations at war. Switching back to the allied side, from the UK: a 1914 half crown. (https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces3156.html)
Obverse:
Reverse (worn, but you can still read the motto: 'Honi soit qui mal y pense')
Click the images to enlarge.
We now have moved on to 1915. The German offensive has been halted and the lengthy phase of a war in trenches has started. As for the coins of World War I: one important country has been manifestly absent so far: I haven't seen any 1914 French coin. I don't have one in my collection either, but better luck in 1915:
République Française, 2 Francs 1915, Type Semeuse. It looks very familiar, since the same design was used again for the new french francs from 1960 onward and a stylized look-alike is on the french 10 to 50 eurocent.
Obverse:
Reverse:
Here we go, one of the lesser countries from world war 1
Serbia 1 dinar 1915
and a 1915 Denmark 1 ore coin (Denmark were officially neutral during the war but traded with both sides, they listed themselves as having a "favourable neutrality" to Germany)
The treaty of The Hague concerning the implications of neutrality during the war, included that military of any army having crossed the borders of a neutral state, ought to be disarmed and detained for the duration of the war. Large numbers of allied and somewhat less german got detained in the Netherlands. Especially after the fortified city of Antwerp fell in german hands, the forces defending the city were cut off from their front lines and fled to the Netherlands to avoid being taken prisoner of war. Masses of civilians also fled.
Belgium (German occupation coinage), 25 Centimes 1915, zinc. https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces513.html
Reverse:
Obverse:
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Still considered common, yet for every WW-I zinc German occupation coin, you easily find 50 WW-II occupation coins.
In anyone's pocket along the British section of the allied frontline: a 1915 penny. https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces578.html
Until 1970 you could still find one of those in your change.
Reverse:
Obverse:
(click image to enlarge)
The upper left coin in the lot is a Belgian WW-I 25 cts zinc coin, minted under german occupation. With a bit of luck, the lot may well sell for only 99 eurocents. No idea on the postage fee to Canada or the US.
The lot went for €0.99, which is the value of the 25 Centimes German Occupation coin if it's the more common 1916 and in a grade not above F12.
Holed coins had been tried out successfully in pre-war Belgium replacing the change too bulky for copper but considered too small for silver coinage. Shortage of copper during the war pushed the French to do the same. These coins are about 2mm smaller in diameter and weigh 5 gr (against 6.5 for their Belgian counterparts). Initially these Lindauer type coins were minted in nickel, but a few years later copper-nickel would be used.
A last call to post your 1915 coins this week. Next Monday, 1916 will be coming up.
1916 most if not all german overseas territories are long lost but the German negotiations for a separate peace with Japan failed. Japan builts out its influence in the west pacific
This small silver coin has been minted throughout WW-I. Lower mintage numbers have even been reported in 1919. It must have been obvious even then that the increased money supply prohibited maintaining the parity of the mark close to its pre-war gold standard.
"Celui qui combat des monstres doit prendre garde à ne pas devenir monstre lui-même. Si tu contemples longtemps un abîme, l’abîme aussi regarde en toi." N.
Ex-référent/modérateur/administrateur à la retraite
"Celui qui combat des monstres doit prendre garde à ne pas devenir monstre lui-même. Si tu contemples longtemps un abîme, l’abîme aussi regarde en toi." N.
Ex-référent/modérateur/administrateur à la retraite
A last call for 1916 coins. After the WE we will move on to 1917. WW-I is on a dead-end track. Every allied attack has failed, with soaring numbers of casualties. Keeping up the spirits has become at least as important in the short run as trying to defeat the enemy. For the first time ever, proven military tactics miserably fail and WW-I is rather going to be won by the party making the best use of technological advances in weapon systems. German poisonous gases are going to cause many casualties, but play no decisive role in the outcome. Above all it makes the allied forces more determined to fight back.
In the mean time from occupied Belgium: the 1916 zinc 5 and 25 Centimes. Reverse:
In April 1917 the US joins the allied forces in combat, after german submarines sank several US merchant ships.
The US and British navy, guarding convoys of merchant ships, would alleviate the submarine threat. The blocking of german sea harbours harmed the supply lines of their arms industry. The effects were not immediate, but proved decisive in the long run, despite a peace treaty end 1917 with revolutionary Russia which was favourable for the Germans.
The Netherlands never fought actively in WWI but in 1917 they get a honorable mentioning because of the Aardappeloproer (Potato Riot) - because of wide spread hunger civillians raided a delivery of potatoes, which were intended for the soldiers, resulting in a small bloodbath.
French silver franc 1917 - https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces682.html
Mintage numbers have been high throughout WW-I, only 1916 had a more massive mintage. France went off the gold standard after WW-I. Because of sustained inflation, silver coinage needed to be stopped in 1920 and silver francs were hoarded. As a result, the last few years of issue usually can be found in a fairly decent grade.
I was wondering how one would replicate the toning you showed on the British coin. Obviously, cleaned, spotted and worn coins are still easiest to find.
"The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom." ― Isaac Asimov
Blog : https://parimalscoincollection.blogspot.com
1917 has been pivotal in WW-I in many aspects. Conspiracy of the Germans, trying to imply Mexico into taking their side and starting a war against the US and German submarines sinking several US merchant ships, ultimately drew the US in WW-I. In October 1917 Russian communists started the revolution (or rather in November, since they still used the Julian calendar). The Tsar was destituted and got killed later on. In Belarus and Poland, the people opposed the revolution and chose the German side, forcing communist Russia to quickly arrange a peace treaty with Germany. It was the only way they could 'stabilize' the revolution and suppress fierce opposition of the 'white' loyalist troops. Communist ideas however also spread to Germany where the sacrifice of three years of war had ravaged the prestige of the emperor. With most men of working age now under arms, the lack of labourers caused dwindling output, shortages and prices rising. Opposition against the lengthy war was gradually picking up steam.
We now will move on to 1918, the last year of WW-I. I hope enough coins will show up to finalize this thread by November 11, the day of the armistice.
Quote: GwydeIn the UK, the nick for a shilling used to be a 'bob'. I don't really know how far in history this goes back. So, after the modest penny, we have a 1914 silver bob here:
(click to enlarge)
Between 1914 and 1918 more than six million men from Britain and Ireland enlisted to serve in the First World War. Upon enlisting they received a King’s shilling – which was a day’s pay for a private. The expression “to take the King’s shilling” – dating back to the 18th century – meant that a man had agreed to serve as a soldier or sailor.
We've seen a number of prominent coins of 1918. As it makes little sense adding my own French 25 Cts or British 3 pence, I go for the Half Crown, which we didn't come across too often yet.
I recently finished reading Richard Rubin's The Last of the Doughboys, which focuses on telling the story of World War I through the eyes of some of the last American survivors of that conflict. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Here are two of my 1918 dates- nothing special, but I like them! A Germany 5 pfennig, minted in Berlin, and a France 1 Franc.
Thinking of these coins in the pocket of soldier at the front, or used sparingly by their families back home is one of the reasons I love collecting coins- the way they connect you to distant times and places.
You can't underestimate the importance of these coins and their place in history.
I would imagine a lot of troops carried with them pennies or more likely farthings as something to remind them of home and spur them on to get through it. My dad has his grandads medals and he has the Great War for civilisation medal.
You can't underestimate the importance of these coins and their place in history.
I would imagine a lot of troops carried with them pennies or more likely farthings as something to remind them of home and spur them on to get through it. My dad has his grandads medals and he has the Great War for civilisation medal.
Bordering two countries at war and with the frontline in the proximity of its border with Belgium, the Netherlands were flooded with refugees from 1914 onwards. Many of the Belgian civilians returned home, but the military were detained according the pre-war The Hague treaty on neutrality. Their number kept on increasing.
While in 1914 most of them were Belgian troops, cut off from their lines after Antwerp fell, by 1918 most new detainees were demoralized German soldiers, deserting while on leave from the front line.
Jersey First World War Centenary Coin
50 Pence, 2014.
Metal: Steel with 24ct gold plating; Weight: 27 g; Diameter: 38.61 mm; Coin alignment ↑↑;
Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS; Reverse: Lord Kitchener from the famous WWI recruitment poster, ‘Make Me A Soldier Lord’, Reverse Designer: Matthew Bonaccorsi; Mintage: 29,500.
During 1918, the last year of WW-I, the Germans launched their spring offensive and effectively broke through the allied lines. Suddenly however, the drawbacks of a movement war surfaced. Supplies and ammunition got through to the new front rather difficultly. There were no roads left and chars sank to their axis into the Flemish mud. Moreover it proved cumbersome to move forward the artillery. With lateral attacks on the frontline bulge, German forces were cut off from their lines. Many of them ended up prisoner of war.
The Spanish flu pandemic weakened both sides, but the German troops had become less numerous: replacements for soldiers fallen ill were more difficult to manage. The Allied summer offensive was of a tactical nature: a rapid succession of pin-pointed attacks turned the German war logistics upside down. When meeting major resistance, attacks were broke off. But soon some attacks proved successful and the German troops retreated from their frontline, for the first time giving up more than a few miles.
From occupied Belgium a holed 50 Centimes coin. This one year issue was not popular: the 1918 zinc coin was the first one going to be demonetized in October 1922, soon after the release of the new nickel 50 Centimes. https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces512.html
No better epilogue to this commemorative thread than with the poem of John Mc Crae:
'In Flanders Fields'
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae MD, (November 30, 1872 – January 28, 1918) was a Canadian poet, physician, author, artist and soldier during World War I, and a surgeon during the Second Battle of Ypres, in Belgium.
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