102322 | GERMANY, AUSTRIA & POLAND. Wilhelm II & Franz Joseph silver Medal.

102322  |  GERMANY & AUSTRIA. Wilhelm II & Franz Joseph silver Medal. Issued 1916. On the joint proclamation of the Kingdom of Poland by Germany & Austria-Hungary (33mm, 15.17 g, 12h). By L. C. Lauer in Nürnberg.

 

Jugate uniformed busts left; FRz/JOS I to left, W II/I R to right / + ERHEBUNG POLNISCHER GEBIETE ZUM KÖNIGREICH, radiant crown over crossed sword and scepter and set upon cushion. Edge: SILBER 990.

 

Zetzmann 3055. Choice Mint State. Very lightly toned, with a mostly frosty, argent appearance, and great brilliance in the fields. A later issue from the vast World War I series from the German side still projecting more of an optimistic and celebratory outlook.

 

Following the formation of the German Empire in 1871, Otto von Bismarck sought to preserve peace and create a climate which would allow the fledging empire to grow, mostly worrying about rivals Russia to the east and France to the west. A deal was struck in 1879 with the Austro-Hungarian Empire in that they would support each other in the event that either were to be attacked by Russia. Further, if any other European power were to attack one, the other would practice a policy of benevolent neutrality, limiting the possible number of rivals and ideally serving as a deterrent for the belligerent European power in the first place. This alliance served as the basis for that which would become the Central Powers (later adding the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Bulgaria) during World War I.

 

In early November 1916, the two main Central Powers of Germany and Austria-Hungary jointly proclaimed the Kingdom of Poland—composed mostly from land formerly under Russian domination, and ultimately serving as a precursor to the modern state of Poland.

 

Upload: 17 April 2023.

 

Sorry, this item is no longer available.