GERMANY. 'Drittes Reich'. 1933-1945. Reverse die (patrix) for 5 Reichsmark 1939 (Steel, 40 mm, 274.00 g), designed by Franz Paul Krischker (1896-1955) and revised by Richard Placht (1880-1960), dated 2 December 1938. Berlin or Wien (Vienna). 'Deutsches Reich 1939 // 5 - Reichs/mark' Eagle standing facing, head left, with wings displayed, on wreath with central swastika; all within border of dots. Edge inscription: F•K•2•12•38. Cf. Jaeger 367 and KM 94 (for type). Of the highest rarity and extremely well preserved. Tiny spots and minor rust on the edge, otherwise, as made.



This patrix, used to produce the matrix and showing the coin design in positive relief, was created by the renowned Berlin die engraver Franz Paul Krischker. Trained originally as a blacksmith and mechanical fitter, Krischker rose rapidly to become a medalist at the Prussian State Mint, working both during the Weimar Republic and under the regime of the so-called Third Reich. In addition to commemorative coins (Jaeger 337, 342), he designed a number of motifs for circulation coins, including the reverse of the famous 5 Reichsmark piece - the highest value coin of that German era, and the very design this patrix depicts. His works were even carried over into the early coinage of East Germany (Jaeger 1501-1503).

What makes this die particularly fascinating - beyond its great rarity and exceptional preservation - is its signature and dating. The initials 'F•K•' point unmistakably to Franz (Paul) Krischker, while '2•12•38' records 2 December 1938, as the date the patrix was completed. That date also aligns perfectly with the provenance of the piece, which originally came from the estate of Austrian medalist Richard Placht. Placht was responsible for reworking Berlin designs when the Vienna Mint was converted to German coinage production following the so-called 'Anschluss' (annexation) of Austria in March 1938. Our die, therefore, must be one of the patrices sent from Berlin to Placht in Vienna for adaptation, ensuring the minting of 5 Reichsmark coins dated 1939.