Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach 1896-A 20 mark
This specimen was lot 30090 in Heritage sale 3041 (Chicago, August 2015), where it sold for $7,343.75. The catalog description[1] noted, "A Stunning Gem of this Two-Year Type. Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. Karl Alexander gold Proof 20 Mark 1896-A PR65 NGC, Berlin mint, A very scarce proof type, issued for only two years, with both dates having been struck in relatively small quantities. This present coin, representing the final date for the type, is tied for the finest example of the date graded by NGC and must be considered among the top survivors for the type. A sparkling jewel, the surfaces retain wonderful integrity throughout, with no arrant post-strike abrasions as a result of past careless handling. In fact, only minor hairlines, almost invisible to the unaided eye are present, and when taken into account alongside the light cameo contrast created between the central motifs and the fields, one has to consider this piece exceptionally high-end. While not a significant deterrent to visual appeal, we do note two minute as-made strike-throughs behind Karl Alexander's head, these serving as unmistakable pedigree markers for the coin. From The Kaiser Collection of German Gold Coins." This and a twenty mark of 1901 are the only gold issues of this tiny state during the Wilhelmine empire.
Recorded mintage: 15,000 plus 380 proofs.
Specification: 7.96 g, 0.900 fine gold, .230 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: KM 213, Jaeger-282.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Jaeger, Kurt, Die Deutschen Münzen seit 1871, Basel: Münzen und Medaillen AG, 1982.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World & Ancient Coins Auction 3041, featuring the Eric Beckman Collection of Canadian Coins, the Kaiser Collection of German Gold Coins and the Rudman Collection of Mexican Coins, Part I, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2015.
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