Germany, Federal Republic 5 Deutsche Mark 1986

History

5 Deutsche Mark 1986, KM# 165, Germany, Federal Republic, 200th Anniversary of Death of Frederick the Great

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

Description

Frederick II (1712–1786) was King of Prussia from 1740 until 1786, the longest reign of any Hohenzollern king. His most significant accomplishments during his reign included his military victories, his reorganization of Prussian armies, his patronage of the arts and the Enlightenment and his final success against great odds in the Seven Years' War. Frederick was the last Hohenzollern monarch titled King in Prussia and declared himself King of Prussia after achieving sovereignty over most historically Prussian lands in 1772. Prussia had greatly increased its territories and became a leading military power in Europe under his rule. He became known as Frederick the Great (Friedrich der Große) and was nicknamed Der Alte Fritz ("The Old Fritz") by the Prussian people and eventually the rest of Germany.

Engraver: Carl Verzerfi-Clemm

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Eagle Coat of arms Germany Depicts Federal Eagle on top, the country name, issue date, facial value and Stuttgart State Mint (F) mark below. The coat of arms of Germany displays a black eagle with red feet, beak and tongue on a golden field. This is the Bundesadler or "Federal Eagle", formerly the Reichsadler or "Imperial Eagle". It is a re-introduction of the coat of arms of the Weimar Republic (in use 1919–1935) adopted by the Federal Republic of Germany in 1950. The current official design is due to Tobias Schwab (1887–1967) and was introduced in 1928. BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND F DEUTSCHE 5 MARK 1986
Reverse	Costume (hat, dress etc.) Tricorne Order, medal etc. Order of the Black Eagle Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Frederick II the Great Uniformed bust of Frederick II the Great left wearing tricorne and the Order of the Black Eagle, his name above, dates of his life below. The Order of the Black Eagle (German: Hoher Orden vom Schwarzen Adler) was the highest order of chivalry in the Kingdom of Prussia. The order was founded on 17 January 1701 by Elector Friedrich III of Brandenburg (who became Friedrich I, King in Prussia, the following day). In his Dutch exile after World War I, deposed Emperor Wilhelm II continued to award the order to his family. He made his second wife, Princess Hermine Reuss of Greiz, a Lady in the Order of the Black Eagle. The tricorne or tricorn is a style of hat that was popular during the 18th century, falling out of style by 1800. Tricornes had a rather broad brim, pinned up on either side of the head and at the back, producing a triangular shape. The hat was typically worn with one point facing forward. FRIEDRICH DER GROSSE 1712 1786
Edge	Inscribed (lettered) Inscription in German: "I am the first servant of my state". Frederick II regularly referred to himself as the first servant of the state. ICH BIN DER ERSTE DIENER MEINES STAATES *