Obverse. Photo © SINCONA AG, Zurich
  • 10 Dollars 2012, KM# 40, Namibia, 100th Anniversary of the Reiterdenkmal
  • 10 Dollars 2012, KM# 40, Namibia, 100th Anniversary of the Reiterdenkmal
Description

The Reiterdenkmal is an equestrian monument in Windhoek, Namibia, originally unveiled on January 27, 1912, to commemorate German colonial soldiers who died during the Herero and Namaqua War (1904–1907). Designed by sculptor Adolf Kürle, the bronze statue depicts a German soldier on horseback, wearing a uniform and holding a rifle. It was erected by Imperial Germany to honor its troops but has long been a symbol of colonial oppression for many Namibians, as it fails to acknowledge the Herero and Nama victims of the genocide committed by German forces.

Due to its controversial legacy, the Reiterdenkmal was removed from its original location in front of the Alte Feste (Old Fortress) in 2013 and relocated to the courtyard of the Independence Memorial Museum, where it is no longer publicly displayed. The monument’s removal reflects Namibia’s broader efforts to decolonize its public spaces and recognize the suffering of indigenous communities under German rule. Despite this, the statue remains a historical artifact representing Germany’s colonial past in Namibia.

An essai is a type of trial strike, typically a non-circulating, non-legal tender coin with a slightly higher mintage than the usual pattern coin.

Obverse

Depicts the Reiterdenkmal surrounded by the inscription of the event above, the year of inauguration, and the year of issue below.

100 YEARS REITERDENKMAL
1912-2012

Reverse

Depicts a map of Namibia with the most important cities and towns in the country, denomination is at the right above the date of issue, country name and the inscription "Essai" (a coin prototype) below.

Tsumeb – A mining town known for its rich copper and mineral deposits, often called the "gateway to the north."

Windhoek – Namibia’s capital and largest city, serving as the political, economic, and cultural center.

Swakopmund – A coastal city with German colonial architecture, known for tourism, adventure sports, and the nearby Namib Desert.

Rundu – A town on the Kavango River, near the Angolan border, famous for its wood carvings and vibrant local culture.

Walvis Bay – Namibia’s main port city, important for fishing, trade, and home to a large lagoon with flamingos and pelicans.

Mariental – A small town in central Namibia, serving as an agricultural hub near the Hardap Dam.

Lüderitz – A historic coastal town with German colonial buildings, known for diamond mining and the ghost town of Kolmanskop.

Bucht – Likely a reference to Lüderitzbucht, another name for Lüderitz, emphasizing its bay location.

Keetmanshoop – A southern town known as the gateway to the Quiver Tree Forest, with a strong Nama cultural presence.

TSUMEB
WINDHOEK
SWAKOPMUND RUNDU
WALVISBAY
MARIENTAL
LUDRITZ
BUCHT
KEETMANSHOOP
10 $
2012
NAMIBIA ESSAI

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Weight -
Diameter -
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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