GOETZ: K-275 New Republic in Cologne, 1918

cacheman

K-275 PROCLAMATION OF THE NEW REPUBLIC IN COLOGNE [1](Ausrufung der deutschen Republik in Köln), 1918, Cast AE, 86.7mm, Wt. 179.1g, Edge incuse ‘KGoetz’, VZ, Scarce.

Obverse shows medieval soldier resting his right hand on the coat-of-arms of Cologne. River Rhine and Cologne cathedral in the background. Inscription (in the Cologne dialect/Low German) “Hold on to the Reich, man of Cologne, may it come sweet or sour.”

Reverse shows large crowd gathering to hear the proclamation with the inscription “Proclamation of the German Republic on the New Market in Cologne, November 9, 1918.” The Rhine river God lies in the exergue, pondering the change.

Garneteye

oldshep

I like the way has depicted the crowd on the reverse.
Shep

AuldFartte

The detail on the reverse is incredible
That is yet another beautiful medal !!!

cosmicdebris

The reverse does really draw you in. Great perspective view on it.

Aethelred

You should really write a book on these!

PuddlePirate

I am constantly enthralled with the Goetz medals you post, until I joined this forum I never knew they existed.

Udo

Another exceptional specimen of this great artist.

theboz11

Steve27

Not quite a city-view thaler, but I like the buildings on the reverse.

wybrit

I agree with aethelred. A really high quality book with "plates" on this would be outstanding.

sumnom

I am intrigued by the people on the reverse who are not part of the crowd. There is small group talking and the woman with the baby carriage walking away. Does it mean something?

Askari

<< <i>I agree with aethelred. A really high quality book with "plates" on this would be outstanding. >>

You hear that, Scott? Get off your lazy buns and start writing!!!


That really is an awesome piece, Scott!! It's the first time I've ever seen an example.



<< <i>There is small group talking and the woman with the baby carriage walking away. Does it mean something? >>

I think the mother and carriage simply symbolize that life goes on ... and the baby signifies hope for the future. I'm not sure what the pair conversing nearby represent; perhaps just a bit of artistry or a suggestion of two men talking about the meaning of the proclamation for the future.


What's the object above the far left "corner" of the exergue??

cacheman

It's a dog walking to left and looking over its right shoulder towards the crowd.

1jester

Great piece, Cacheman!!! Excellent details on both the obverse and reverse. The cathedral of Cologne is still just as impressive; I encourage anyone traveling to Germany to see this masterpiece. And the dialect is authentic.