10 Mark Emperor Wilhelm I. Prussia Gold Coin
Berlin Mint
GPSR: Münze Deutschland
Barbarastr. 1
50735 Köln
(0961) / 3818 3970
info@muenze-deutschland.de
🇩🇪 10 Mark Prussia 1873 – Gold Coin Emperor Wilhelm I – Royal Contour in Fine Gold
The 10-mark gold coin of the Kingdom of Prussia bears the portrait of Emperor Wilhelm I, a monarchic figure who decisively shaped the 19th century in Germany. This coin was minted during a period of political unification, when Prussia, as the leading power of the young German Empire, made its national identity visible through coinage. Struck in gold, it conveys a calm, clear expression of monarchic order and finely structured minting artistry.
The obverse shows the portrait of Emperor Wilhelm I, facing right, in uniform depiction, with linework that relies on defined contours and calm surfaces. His profile appears composed and dignified, not exaggerated, but held in a factual-monarchic center. Surrounding the portrait is the inscription “WILHELM I DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN”, a title that clearly names his dual role as German Emperor and King of Prussia. The lettering is evenly placed and frames the portrait in a calm, structured composition. Beneath the portrait appears the mint mark “A”, representing the Berlin Mint, finely and discreetly embedded into the field. The gold around the portrait forms an even, calm surface that provides optical balance to the motif.
The reverse features the single-headed Prussian eagle, crowned, holding scepter and orb — a heraldic symbol reflecting the sovereignty of Prussia within the German Empire. Above the eagle is the denomination “10 MARK”, executed in a clear, orderly typography. Below it appears the respective minting year, integrated into the design. The coat of arms is surrounded by an oak-leaf wreath — the finely worked leaves are shown in bold to emphasize their role as a traditional, organic frame of the coin design. The wreath is not ornamental or overloaded, but evenly and calmly arranged, forming a natural closure of the field.
The coin is struck in 900 gold, the classic alloy typical of historical 10-mark issues of the German Empire. The fine-gold content gives it a warm, bright tonality and a noticeable weight that reflects its original function as official currency. The relief is clearly modeled, without harsh contrasts. Light and shadow move softly across the surface and motif, creating a calm metallic brilliance. The edge is reeded, a traditional feature that provides tactile framing and preserves the classic character of imperial coinage.
Emperor Wilhelm I was the first German Emperor after the founding of the Empire in 1871. His depiction on coins followed the claim of monarchic continuity and state order. This coin adheres to that principle: no pathos, but defined contours, clear royal titles, and a surface that allows the precious metal to speak for itself.
The 10 Mark Prussia gold coin Emperor Wilhelm I thus remains a historical witness of monarchic minting history. A piece whose value arises from metal, coat of arms and royal contour — calm, clear and struck in the aesthetic tradition characteristic of high-quality numismatic catalog entries.
| Metal | Gold |
| Form | Gold Coin |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Berlin Mint |
| Series | German Empire |
| Purity | 900/1000 |
| Fineweight | 3.58 gram |
| Gross Weight | 3.982 gram |
| Grade | Brilliant |
| Condition | Circulated |
| Face value | 10 Mark |
| Thickness | 0.91 mm |
| Diameter | 19.50 mm |
| Packaging | Single in Pouch |