GERMANY. 'Drittes Reich'. 1933-1945. Obverse die (matrix) for 1 Reichsmark 1938 (Steel, 39 mm, 243.00 g), designed by Oskar Glöckler (1893-1938) and revised by Richard Placht (1880-1960). Berlin or Wien (Vienna). 'Deutsches Reich / 1938' around '1 / Reichsmark' in two lines within oak branches (all incuse and mirrored). Beyond the die face: R.PLACHT. Cf. Jaeger 354 and KM 78 (for type). Exceedingly rare and exceptionally well preserved. Tiny scratches, otherwise, as made.



This coin die offers a fascinating glimpse into the turbulent history of the Vienna Mint during the so-called 'Anschluss' (annexation) of Austria in March 1938. The signature R. PLACHT, placed just beyond the die face, points to the Austrian medalist Richard Placht, who is known to have reworked dies from Berlin for use in Vienna. Until now, coins of the 1 Reichsmark type from Vienna (Jaeger 354) were only known from 1939. This die, however, provides evidence that plans for striking the issue had already begun in 1938, though for reasons unknown the project appears to have been postponed to the following year.