PCGS recently published an article regarding German Third Reich coins. Here are two important paragraphs from that article:
"There was a debate about adding the German Third Reich category to the PCGS Set Registry®. The German Third Reich is responsible for the Holocaust, the murder of six million Jews in Europe. It left a permanent stain on human history. In the end, it was decided that World War II was such an important era, despite the horrifying racially motivated atrocities, the coinage of that period should not be ignored. Coins from the Third Reich should be a reminder of the lives that were lost."
"The German Third Reich category has proved to be very popular in the PCGS Set Registry. In fact, there are more registered sets for Third Reich coins than in any other German category. The proof type set composition is new and as PCGS grades more proofs, the category will be expanded to include denomination proof sets."
In January 1933, Hitler was named chancellor of Germany. This was the same year that the Third Reich began striking coins in Germany. The portrait of the previous German President, Paul von Hindenburg, was used on the obverse of the coins struck by the Third Reich. Hitler refused to have his portrait on any German coins until Germany was victorious in the war, which never happened. Hindenburg died of lung cancer on August 2, 1934. Third Reich coins were produced in Berlin (mintmark A), Vienna (B), Munich (D), Muldenhutten (E), Stuttgart (F), Karlsruhe (G), and Hamburg (J). The swastika appeared on the standard coinage: the Reichspfenning, 2 Reichspfenning, 5 Reichspfenning, 10 Reichspfenning, 50 Reichspfenning (1938-1944), and 5 Reichsmark (1936-1939).
This is a unique historical and unbelievable set of all three Third Reich proof silver issues in
matte proof of the Hindenburg German coins. It has been authenticated and certified by PCGS. These were officially struck by the Berlin Mint and specially produced in
matte proof. It is amazing that this set survived World War II and was preserved for 8 decades.
The 1937A silver 2 Mark is unique in
matte proof. It is unrecorded in all reference books and no others are known or rumored to exist. The obverse has the portrait of Hindenburg with the German Swastika reverse. It has original surfaces, light toning and is conservatively graded.
The 1936A silver 5 Mark is also unique in
matte proof. It is also unrecorded in all reference books and no others are known or rumored to exist. The obverse also has the portrait of Hindenburg with the German Swastika reverse. It has original matched light toning and smooth matte surfaces.
The 1935A silver 5 Mark is one of only two known in
matte proof. It matches the other two, with original surfaces and light toning. The obverse has the portrait of Hindenburg but the reverse portrays the Eagle, not the Swastika.
This unique 3 piece Hindenburg silver
matte proof set is part of Germany's history and belongs in a German Museum or in a world class collection of German coins or unique numismatic rarities.
Many of Hitler's personal items and items relating to the Third Reich have sold in public auction for record amounts. A few examples are:
- A racing car commissioned by Hitler sold for $15 million
- Hitler's telephone from the Führerbunker sold for $243,000
- Hitler's ring featuring the Swastika sold for $65,000
- Hitler's globe from the ruins of his chalet sold for $82,740
- Hitler's personalized rifle sold for $140,025
- Hitler's ceremonial brass writing desk sold for $422,000
- Hitler's Mercedes-Benz 770k sold for $8 million
