The Use of Seated Imagery in Numismatics
Europe

Owner Comments:

In contrast to the Bavarian Victory Taler, this victory taler from Prussia takes a decidedly more militarist approach to Prussia’s victory in the Franco-Prussian War. The key to understanding this coin’s allegory directly correlates to the unification of the North German Confederation and the southern German states into the German Empire on January 18, 1871. The unification of the German states into the German Empire and a resounding victory in the Franco-Prussian War left Germany as the preeminent power in Europe and Wilhelm I, King of Prussia as its Emperor.

The reverse of this coin features a crowned image of Germania, the national personification of Germany seated on an elevated platform resembling a throne. She is holding a downward pointing unsheathed sword in her right hand while leaning on the Prussian arms with her left forearm. The downward pointing sword signifies peace, but only in the sense of a cessation of hostilities after a decisive victory. However, it also indicates preparedness for war. As such, this coin conveys an image of preparedness and strength. Leaning on the Prussian arms shows that Germania identifies with Prussia. The imperial crown upon Germania’s head suggests power and authority. On the obverse of this coin is a profile of Wilhelm I, King of Prussia and the first Emperor of the German Empire. Linking Wilhelm I with the powerful imagery of Germania implies that he was very powerful.

The image substituted for this coins reverse is an 1873 painting showing Germania prepared and standing at the watch on the River Rhine with a wary eye towards France.