10 Mark Grandduke Friedrich I. Gold Coin | Baden | 1890-1901
Berlin Mint
GPSR: Münze Deutschland
Barbarastr. 1
50735 Köln
(0961) / 3818 3970
info@muenze-deutschland.de
🇩🇪 10 Mark Baden 1890–1901 – Gold Coin Grand Duke Friedrich I – Baden Heraldry in Fine Gold
The 10-mark gold coin of the Grand Duchy of Baden bears the portrait of Grand Duke Friedrich I and was minted in the period from 1890 to 1901, a phase in which Baden continued to express its regional identity within the German Empire with confidence through its own coin motifs. Struck in gold, the piece conveys a calm, clearly structured design that places monarch portrait, state heraldry and the material presence of the metal into a harmonious relationship.
The obverse shows the portrait of Friedrich I, facing right, with a calm gaze, uniformed depiction and fine, contoured linework reflecting the sober-monarchic style of the era. Surrounding the portrait is the inscription “FRIEDRICH I GROSSHERZOG VON BADEN”, evenly arranged in a clear, well-readable typography that frames the profile without dominating the field. Beneath the portrait appears the mint mark of the respective mint — usually “G” for Karlsruhe or “F” for Stuttgart — both marks are finely and discreetly embedded into the overall composition. The design leaves the gold a warm, calm surface that optically balances the portrait.
The reverse shows the crowned Baden state coat of arms, supported by griffins, whose depiction is marked in bold as the central motif detail. The griffins flank the heraldic shield in an upright, watchful posture and symbolically represent protection, vigilance and the heraldic tradition of the state. The shield displays the classic, clearly structured territorial fields of Baden. Above the coat of arms appears the denomination “10 MARK”, below it the respective minting year within the issuance period. An oak-leaf wreath surrounds the motif — its evenly arranged leaves are also marked in bold as a significant motif detail. The reverse follows a clearly ordered composition: coat of arms at the center, natural frame at the edge, inscriptions calmly integrated.
The coin is struck in 900 gold, the classic alloy typical of imperial German 10-mark issues, giving the coin its characteristic warm gold tonality. The relief is finely modeled, without harsh contrasts or exaggerated depth. Light and shadow transitions arise softly and evenly, producing a quiet, uniform brilliance. The reeded edge adds a traditional tactile element that continues the classic minting craftsmanship of the era.
Friedrich I reigned from 1856 to 1907 and was historically regarded as a politically prudent, unifying monarch whose portrait on coins carried the claim of regional continuity and monarchic order. The later 10-mark issues of Baden follow this same principle: no loud staging, but clear contours, orderly royal titles and a heraldry that stands in calm dignity. The coin presents Baden not in exuberance, but in a composed, dignified material aesthetic.
The 10 Mark Baden gold coin Grand Duke Friedrich I thus remains a historical witness of Baden minting artistry — shaped by the quiet radiance of gold, the clarity of engravings and the organically ordered beauty of griffins, coat of arms and oak leaves, preserving their calm, warm presence to this day.
| 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 |