GOETZ: K-296

cacheman

OPUS 296 “THE ROBBERS COURT” (Raubergerichtshof in Mainz. 1923, CAST AE, 62.2mm. Germany was held in willful default in the discharge of repatriation payments. France claimed the (now famous) 100,000 telegraph poles were not delivered and later a delivery of coal was not made. These were enough reasons for the repatriation commission to sanction the occupation of the German territory. French and Belgian troops (5 French and 1 Belgian Division) marched into the Ruhr Valley, the center of German industry. The German government under Chancellor Cuno declared the passive resistance towards the occupation forces. The French counter by declaring martial law and confiscating the bank branches with all the funds of the Reichsbank, other public banks and many private accounts. This medal has references to these times. When the management of the Krupp works in Essen ordered their employees to exercise the passive resistance on Easter 1923 and not to give a hand to the French troops who came to pick up automobiles under the repatriation terms, Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach and eight of his leading directors are put before a French war tribunal. The convictions ranged from ten to fifteen years each in prison and each had to pay 100 million marks in penalty money.

Inscription on Obverse, “The Robber’s Court in Mayence.” Inscription on the money bag “Robbery of Billions.” Inscription on reverse, “There roars a call like thunderstorm” (after a German patriotic song.) Marianne, symbol of France, and portrayed as an old hag is guarding the Ruhr coal she is entitled to under the repatriation terms. German fists showing their resistance.

cosmicdebris

Another great addition!

elverno

While by no means justifying the excess of the Nazis you can see why the German people were frustrated in the 1920s. Much of the rest of the world was doing pretty well economically and the reparations combined with the dizzying inflation of the time in Germany must have convinced many people that only a strong man who stood up to the world and told them off would save Germany from total disaster.

Goetz captures that feeling so profoundly and this is another fabulous addition to a great collection. Thanks, dude!

laurentyvan

What a design!!

Goetz was what, the only caricaturist working in coins?

I can't think of anyone (outside of his son) who was doing the same thing.

Am I wrong?

1jester

Excellent medal, sir!

farthing

Laurent - The political and social commentary Conder tokens (especially those of Thomas Spence) that pre-date Goetz by more than a century are done in much the same vein though without quite the "edge" Goetz used in his references to contemporary events.

cacheman

There was one other guy from the 1920's I am trying to find information about but his symbolism was more tame and shallow. I'll keep looking.

SYRACUSIAN

Very nice. I've noticed that the presentations' historical context has vastly improved, no wonder thanks to the thousands of pages you've read on the subject. I could almost sympathize with the Germans...

Askari

Another lovely Goetz medal!! You can understand why his satire was so effective.