Danzig Coins: A History of the Free City's Currency
The monetary history of the Free City of Danzig is captured in two distinct series of coinage issued in 1923 and 1932. These coins served as the primary physical currency for the city-state, ranging from small fractional denominations to high-value gold pieces. For numismatists, these coins represent a unique intersection of political history and artistic design.
Key Facts
- Two Main Series: Coins were first issued in 1923, with a second series following in 1932.
- Denominations: The currency consisted of pfennige (1, 2, 5, and 10) and gulden (1/2, 1, 2, 5, 10, and 25).
- Gold Issues: The 25-gulden coins were minted in gold and are exceptionally rare.
- Composition: Materials varied by value, utilizing copper, nickel, silver, and gold.
- Historical Recovery: Many 1930 gold coins only became available in the 1990s after being released from a Russian treasury.
The Gold Standard: The 25-Gulden Coin
The most prestigious issue in the Danzig series was the 25-gulden gold coin. These were produced in extremely limited quantities: only 1,000 were minted in 1923 and 4,000 in 1930. The 1930 issue was primarily intended as presentation pieces and remained largely unobtainable for decades. Interestingly, a significant number of these coins reappeared in the 1990s, having been stored in a Russian treasury since their capture at the end of World War II.
Additionally, the 1923 series included 200 proof coins—coins struck using specially polished dies and blanks to create a high-quality finish for collectors. Due to their rarity, these proof pieces command very high prices on the market today.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The First Series (1923)
The initial series of coins established the visual and technical identity of Danzig's currency. The lower denominations, known as pfennige, were primarily composed of copper, tin, and zinc, or a copper-nickel alloy. The higher denominations, the gulden, utilized silver and copper alloys.
Design and Symbolism
The coins featured imagery central to the city's identity. Common elements included the name "Danzig" or "Freie Stadt Danzig" (Free City of Danzig), the city's coat of arms, and depictions of the city's architecture, such as St. Mary's Church on the 5-gulden piece. Other coins featured a cog—a traditional seafaring vessel—reflecting the city's maritime heritage.
Technical Specifications
The production of the 1923 series varied widely in volume. While the 1-pfennig coin saw a massive mintage of 11.5 million pieces, the 5-gulden coin was much rarer, with only 860,500 minted. The edges of the coins varied between plain and reeded (featuring a series of small ridges) depending on the denomination.
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| Denomination | Diameter | Mass | Composition | Obverse Feature | Reverse Feature | Quantity Minted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 pfennig | 17 mm | 1.67 g | 95% Cu, 4% Sn, 1% Zn | Value, "Danzig" | Year, Coat of Arms | 11,500,000 |
| 2 pfennige | 19.5 mm | 2.5 g | 95% Cu, 4% Sn, 1% Zn | Value, "Danzig" | Year, Coat of Arms | 3,250,000 |
| 5 pfennige | 17.5 mm | 2.0 g | 75% Cu, 25% Ni | Value, "Danzig" | Year, Coat of Arms | 4,000,000 |
| 10 pfennige | 21.5 mm | 4.0 g | 75% Cu, 25% Ni | Value, "Freie Stadt Danzig" | Year, Coat of Arms | 5,000,000 |
| 1/2 gulden | 19.5 mm | 2.5 g | 75% Ag, 25% Cu | Value, "Freie Stadt Danzig", Coat of Arms | Cog | 1,400,000 |
| 1 gulden | 23.5 mm | 5.0 g | 75% Ag, 25% Cu | Value, "Freie Stadt Danzig", Cog | Coat of Arms with Lions | 3,500,500 |
| 2 gulden | 26.5 mm | 10.0 g | 75% Ag, 25% Cu | Value, "Freie Stadt Danzig", Cog | Coat of Arms with Lions | 1,250,000 |
| 5 gulden | 35.0 mm | 25.0 g | 75% Ag, 25% Cu | Value, "Freie Stadt Danzig", St. Mary's Church | Coat of Arms with Lions | 860,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When were the first Danzig coins issued?
The first series of coins was issued in 1923, followed by a second series in 1932.
What materials were used for the 25-gulden coins?
The 25-gulden coins were minted in gold.
Why did many 1930 gold coins only appear in the 1990s?
A large number of these coins had been stored in a Russian treasury after being captured at the end of World War II and were not released until the 1990s.
What are proof coins in the context of the 1923 series?
Proof coins are high-quality versions of the coins produced for collectors; there were 200 such coins in the 1923 series, and they are considered very expensive.
What imagery appeared on the Danzig coins?
The coins featured the city's name, the Danzig coat of arms, a cog (ship), and St. Mary's Church.