Mail Call New Goetz Pieces

cosmicdebris

Silver Bavarian 1913 3 Mark pattern and a 1923 Silvered 100 Millionen Mark NotGeld

laurentyvan

I wish I could make out more detail on that second coin you're showing-looks very interesting- is it the story of Prometheus?

In a moment of anger, he cast a lightning into the rock to which Prometheus was chained to and so Prometheus fell into the eternal darkness, the depths of Tartar. He stood there for quite a while, but his spirit could not be broken. When Zeus saw that, he prepared an even more cruel punishment. He swore that he will have Prometheus chained to the highest cliff in the Caucasus, and a giant eagle to go to him every day and feast on his liver. As Prometheus was a titan, his liver would regenerate each night so the torture would countinue each following day. This went on for years, but Prometheus remained adamant and did not tell Zeus about his successor, nor did he regret his gifts to the human race.

cosmicdebris

We may have to wait until Scott gets back from Germany to answer your question. I only have Kienast I which does not list this piece. Scott has a copy of Kienast II which would have more info on this piece.

The detail is as you see it which would make me believe this is a trial piece and not the final product.

Askari

Definitely looks like Prometheus on the obv., but I can't make out the rev. design.

cosmicdebris

Now that I have a copy of Kienast II I can only regurgitate what it says with no further in-site on my part as to who or what is depicted.

Opus 644
Ruhr & Rhein German people's offering 1923

Obv. Legendless

Rev. Legend: DEUTSCHES VOLKS-OPFER RUHR u. RHEIN 1923 50 MILLIONEN

On the edge: NOTGELD (Emergency money)* incuse.

In addition to the above there are 2 other coins with the value of 100 million and 500 million mark respectively

Struck 33 mm. The 50 million value in brass. The 100 million value in white metal or silvered bronze. The 500 million value in gilded metal.

(Coins courtesy of Ed Ganister collection)

ClausUrch

<< <i>I wish I could make out more detail on that second coin you're showing-looks very interesting- is it the story of Prometheus? >>



I think you hit the nail on the head.

The inscription reads," German People Victims Ruhr und Rhein". The allegory of Prometheus, the Titan, makes sense in that the German People (particularly of the Ruhr and Rhein regions) would overcome the injustices rendered them after the World War.

cosmicdebris

Prometheus

Prometheus was the wisest Titan. His name means "forethought" and he was able to foretell the future. He was the son of Iapetus. When Zeus revolted against Cronus Prometheus deserted the other Titans and fought on Zeus side.

By some accounts he and his brother Epimetheus were delagated by Zeus to create man. In all accounts, Prometheus is known as the protector and benifactor of man. He gave mankind a number of gifts including fire. He also tricked Zeus into allowing man to keep the best part of the animals scarificed to the gods and to give the gods the worst parts.

For this Zeus punished Prometheus by having him chained to a rock with an eagle tearing at his liver. He was to be left there for all eternity or until he agreed to disclose to Zeus which of Zeus children would try to replace him. He was eventually rescued by Hercules without giving in to Zeus.

a2labmom

Very interesting pieces. And a very nice lesson in some history. I never really knew the story/legend behind Prometheus.

One of the great things about this forum is that I very often learn something new while reading the posts. Where do you folks learn so much about this?

Cosmic, you mentioned Kienast I and Kienast II. Are these reference books? What do they deal in?

Askari

Kienast is the major cataloger of Goetz's life work in medals. His first volume listed all he knew of in more or less chronological order. His (scarcer) second volume is a supplement with pictures of medals he didn't have access to for the first volume, as well as additional medals he had become cognizant of, mostly as a result of his having published the first one. If you seriously want to collect Goetz medals, both volumes are a "must-have".

cacheman

<< <i>both volumes are a "must-have". >>



...and we're working towards a Volume III.

Askari

I want one of the first personally autographed copies (by all authors) hot off the press!!

cosmicdebris

Me too! This is my official order for a signed copy of Volume III.

cacheman

We have been discussing the inclusion of new finds since Volume II, a new Pattern key specific to Goetz patterns, color images of all medals and works, and German (one page) English (other page) language text. It is possible that we may combine all Volumes into one complete tome. It's been done with other medallists, why not Goetz?

Askari

A single volume would be preferable, IMHO. I'd also like to see more commentary on each medal rather than just the bare bones of the Kienast works.

cosmicdebris

That sounds even better. If there are any images I can contribute let me know.