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 Replies: 25 / Views: 2,631 |
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New Member
Canada
39 Posts |
Hi Everyone
My girlfriend recently returned from vacation with an unusual gift for me. She knew I was an amateur coin collector, but knowing nothing about coins and even less about history she purchased a German Reichsmark for me. The coin collector in me enjoys the coin for it's history (however dark it may be), but the rest of me says I should not be in possession of such an item.
I will not be posting pictures of the coin, as I've no real desire to find out it's value, but would like to know coin collector etiquette on this.
Thanks for your help
Mark
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Pillar of the Community
United States
626 Posts |
The way I see it, all nations have "dark times". I have no problem collecting Third Riech coins, just as I have no problem collecting US coins from the days of slavery. |
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Pillar of the Community
Belgium
2078 Posts |
I seem to understand there is a legal problem attached to scans of german coins with a swatstika on them The swastika has to blanked out in certain countries This is one of the rules inforced by ebay germany eg In belgium there seems no such problem Apart from that; nobody in the past is going to benefit or be hurt from you collecting the coin So I would not mind a picture |
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New Member
United States
20 Posts |
I have seen this concern pop up from time to time, and I have to agree with some of the things that have already been said, owning this coin does not support history, it reflects it.
I have had a few reichsmarks in my collection, and I still have a few reichspfennigs. They are interesting coins that were minted during a volatile period of history.
On the other hand, your collection should be a reflection of your personal taste - that's rule #1, in my opinion. If the coin bothers you, set it aside (after all, it was still a gift!).
I'm not aware of any laws that prohibit images of nazi era coins, regardless of the icons represented. I think it's more of a taste issue than a legal one. I can understand that many people can be a little offended by such materials.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5362 Posts |
Personally, I collect all world coins without any concern for the politics of the country that issued them. I suppose I would not buy a coin from a Nazi mint if one were still operating because in doing so I would be financially supporting them. But these coins with Swastikas are now just historical artifacts from a long by-gone era. The Nazi regeme has been "out of business" for a few years and the Swastika was not their invention any way. Should we also throw out older US tokens with the swastika or the reversed swastika? How about chop marked coins from the 1700s that have swastika chops? Could anyone take offense at those?
I did have a coin dealer offer to buy 100 of my Nazi 5 Mark coins with the swastika. But I discovered that he intended to re-sell them to a White Supremeisist group. I decided against that - even though it was potentially profitable - because I knew they would be used for what I considered to be an improper purpose.
But I know of very few numismatists who are into Political Correctness of even that sort. But if it bothers anyone - just avoid the coins or the situation that makes you uncomfortable. There are plenty of other countries to collect and other folks to sell to.
But when you consider actual history there are also problems with almost every country you can think of at one point in time or another. Every loser of every war would have some problems with the winners. If you eliminate all coins made by "bad guys", there are many rare and beautiful coins and bills that would be off limits. But it might reduce the number of collectors making some coins easier for me to afford.
When I was a kid, I checked my family geneology I ran into what is actually a similar problem. Some of my father's ancestors were bitter enemies of some of my mother's ancestors. At more than one point, they may have faced each other holding guns. My Dad's side won the war but one of my ancestors on the winning side was actually killed in the conflict. Should that make me pick between my folks? Today, the countries involved have patched up their differences, so I guess I have to as well.
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1262 Posts |
I collect German Third Reich coins for there history and at the moment I have a rather good collection.
I know about the "darkside" but that could apply to many coins including some ancients. I therefore see no problem with having these coins.
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Valued Member
United States
177 Posts |
Nazi coins are an important part of history, as is the holocaust meusium in DC. these tokens of the haulocaust remined people of what NOT to do, and they keep certain groups from implying that the haulocaust never happend. there is no moral prablem with havving one
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4589 Posts |
If I had to pick just one world country to collect from its Germany, I do collect the period mentioned heavily . However I do not believe in those values . to me its history, and should be remembered and celebrated so that we do not make the same mistake again. Also geramny gets a really bad rap for this (rightfully so) or at least they should of in the past , lets not forget about the other countries who have done the same thing or the like. their are many
Edited by scoutjim99
06/20/2006 12:38 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
751 Posts |
The problem is not just one of symbolism.
The coin could actually be minted from silver stolen from Germany's slaughtered victims.
I could never collect such an artifact. The fact that it was a gift puts you in a bind.
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Pillar of the Community
Belgium
2078 Posts |
quote:
Originally posted by rick
I'm not aware of any laws that prohibit images of nazi era coins,
If I am correct the german law prohibits showing the swastika in any open publications like ebay, forums, newspapers etc If you happen to have a coin with a swastika on it you have to blank the swastika out in any open publications ebay actually will remove any coin shown on ebay germany that is not blanked out in the proper place In belgium that requirement does not exist and so coins are shown fully |
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Pillar of the Community
Belgium
2078 Posts |
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New Member
United States
20 Posts |
I don't know, to be honest. I've heard conflicting comments on the subject before, and I will be the first to admit I don't know what the actual laws are. I think that the ebay issue is more or less a matter of policy than law. A German fellow told me that there are no such laws about public display, it's just that most people see it as poor taste or offensive. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2365 Posts |
Those who do not know history are bound to repeat it. German Reich coins are a reminder of very dark times in World history and can also be seen as a lasting memorial to those lost to Hitler's wrath. It's all a matter of perspective as that generation is slowly dying off and deserves to be remembered. I, personally, see no "moral" issues in owning them now. Actually, purposefully, collecting them would not be an interest of mine except for the history behind them.
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New Member
 Canada
39 Posts |
Good discussion and good points raised. The fact that it is a gift is of no consequence. I've explained the situation to my girlfriend, and she has agreed to waive any and all "penalties" for not wanting it as a gift should I decide to rid myself of it. My understanding of the law is hazy at best. I know that ebay will not allow items bearing the swastika to be sold in many european countries including france, germany and austria. Whether or not this rule is adhered to is another story. I agree with the comment Rick made, that a collection should reflect your personal taste, hence the mixed feelings. The history buff and coin collector in me says to keep it, but I feel displaying such an item would be in poor taste. I'll think it over a while longer. What I do know, is this is my girlfriends LAST trip to Florida. This isn't the only problem that has arisen from the trip... there was an incident regarding our joint account and a shopping mall...  |
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Pillar of the Community
Belgium
2078 Posts |
All I know is german forum members mentioning ebay had removed their offer because the swastika was showing Also I surf german ebay every day and I never ever saw a swastika On the other hand in Belgium were I live all ebay belgian auctions will show the swastika and none are ever covered http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/10-Reichspf...cmdZViewItem |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
heck I just wish I could read them auctions
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Replies: 25 / Views: 2,631 |
Posted 06/19/2006 1:11 pm
