Germany, Democratic Republic (DDR) 5 Mark 1989

History

5 Mark 1989, KM# 131, Germany, Democratic Republic (DDR), 100th Anniversary of Birth of Carl von Ossietzky

Obverse. Photo © Historia Hamburg

Description

Carl von Ossietzky (1889–1938) was a German pacifist and the recipient of the 1935 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in exposing the clandestine German re-armament. He was convicted of high treason and espionage in 1931 after publishing details of Germany's violation of the Treaty of Versailles by rebuilding an air force, the predecessor of the Luftwaffe, and training pilots in the Soviet Union.

Engraver: Gerhard Rommel

Obverse	Coat of arms German Democratic Republic Device and tools (watch, compass, telescope etc.) Hammer, Compass (drawing tool) Depicts a national emblem of the German Democratic Republic (DDR), surrounded by the country name (above), denomination and date (below). Mintmark of the Berlin State Mint (A) is between country name and the emblem. The national emblem of the German Democratic Republic featured a hammer and a compass (drawing tool), surrounded by a ring of rye. The hammer represented the workers in the factories. The compass represented the intelligentsia, and the ring of rye the farmers. DEUTSCHE DEMOKRATISCHE REPUBLIK A • 1989 5 MARK •
Reverse	Person (politician, revolutionary, entrepreneur) Carl von Ossietzky Portrait of Carl von Ossietzky, surrounded by his name and dates of his birth and death, engraver's initials below. CARL VON OSSIETZKY • 1889 - 1938 R D
Edge	Inscribed (lettered) * 5 MARK * 5 MARK * 5 MARK * 5 MARK