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 Replies: 7 / Views: 2,324 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1227 Posts |
Okay, so.
Someone on the forum awhile back very graciously included a WWII one-pfennig with the Nazi symbol on it as a surprise in a trade. It was fascinating to see because while it was a terrible--beyond terrible--period in history (not just because of the Holocaust, either), there's so much we can learn from it.
But, I'm not entirely easy owning the coin--while I have no problem owning coins from dark periods of history (I have some Soviet Russian and Czechoslovakian coins, for example), something about that particular coin is just too much for me. I don't want to sell or trade it--I feel like that feeling would just transfer to whatever I gained by trading the coin--but I also feel that destroying the coin is a form of censorship, which I adamantly oppose. If we don't know our history we can't learn from it, etc.
I live with my sister, who is Jewish and knows I own it and have been trying to figure out what to do with it. She made a suggestion I rather liked: It turns out there's a Holocaust memorial museum in Houston to which I could donate the coin.
Here's the rub: I feel like there needs to be more than just a single coin as part of the donation. A pre-Hitler or post-Hitler (or both) one-pfennig, perhaps, to show just how much the war and the Third Reich changed Germany? A writeup on coinage changes and how they were another way for Hitler to exert influence (the Nazi eagle and swastika are very prominently placed on the coin, for those who've never seen one)? I don't want to go the route of putting in loads of world coins because I feel like the focus of the museums is on memorializing loss and demonstrating how completely Hitler controlled Europe, not on "look, we fought a war that changed history," but a single coin all by itself with no context doesn't really have anything to add to an exhibit.
Does anyone here have suggestions on what I could add to make this a proper donation that would be of historical value?
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
Before you invest too much energy in this, why not call the curator at the museum and find out if they want it? Or you could just go there one day with the coin and ask if they have any coins from that time and would they like the one you have.
They may already have a coin display so collecting more to give them wouldn't be necessary.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
I just did a little search and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is actively seeking coins.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
917 Posts |
Sounds like a great idea. Not having any context wont phase the museum since they are looking for coins. You could write a letter along with it explaining why you are giving it to them if you want to.
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Valued Member
Canada
258 Posts |
I have a small collection of Third Reich coins, one of each denomination from 5 Reichsmarks down to 1 Phennig. I don't feel there is anything wrong with owning them. It represents an important part of 20th century history, however horrific it may be. I happen to be a 20th century history as well as military history buff so perhaps I see things differently. My father inherited a number of battlefield "trophies" taken from dead SS officers, including a colour atlas of Europe. How's that for gruesome?  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2124 Posts |
Quote:
nickelphr33k
I have a small collection of Third Reich coins, one of each denomination from 5 Reichsmarks down to 1 Phennig. I don't feel there is anything wrong with owning them. I agree that there is anything wrong with the fact of owning them BUT if your mother (for example) was killed in the Holocaust for a Third Reich Soldier it's absolutely logical that you won't collect that kind of stuff that affect you psychologically. ninamason: I agree. Give the coins to an Holocaust Museum. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
ninamason,
You are definitely in a pickle.
It boils down to 'historical value' and 'emotional duress.'
A donation to a museum sounds like the best solution.
Both France and Germany restrict the trading of coins and such displaying the swastika.
Italy also, I think.
Those of use who are further removed from the trauma can hold these coins, however distasteful it may be. You need not.
Bottom line, if it makes your sister feel better then do it.
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Bedrock of the Community
United Kingdom
17909 Posts |
Quote:
Does anyone here have suggestions on what I could add to make this a proper donation that would be of historical value?
Nina - you could add a coin from each of the countries that Nazi Germany occupied, and which changed their currencies - such as: - a zinc coin from the Netherlands - a zinc coin from Norway - a zinc coin from Belgium - one of the aluminium Vichy France coins with 'Travail - Famille - Patrie' on it I have several German Nazi era coin as part of my collection, but I fully respect your thoughts and wishes about finding another home for your coin! |
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Replies: 7 / Views: 2,324 |
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Posted 12/21/2013 9:32 pm
