My Journey Through European Coins of the 1900s

I’ve always been fascinated by European coins from the 1900-1909 period—they’re like tiny time capsules of art and history that I’ve spent years exploring. What started as casual curiosity grew into a passion, revealing everything from everyday silver pieces to rare treasures, and I’d love to share some discoveries from my collecting journey.

Standout Coins from My Collection

Through countless hunts and auctions, I’ve handled some real gems that define this decade. Here are my personal highlights:

• Austria: 1908 1 Krone – Franz Joseph I’s portrait on silver still takes my breath away, especially when you find one with that original frosty luster.
• Leichtenstein: 1904 1 Krone – Saw my first at a Berlin auction; so rare it made my hands shake just holding it.
• Belgium: 1909 1 Franc – My go-to recommendation for beginners—simple elegance that won’t break the bank.
• Hungary: 1908 5 Korona – Gorgeous Austro-Hungarian design, but check those high points—they wear faster than Sunday shoes.
• Prussia: 1901 2 Mark – Imperial Germany in your palm; aim for sharp strikes since weak details plague many.
• Hamburg: 1909 3 Mark – City-state issues like this are historical sleepers—undervalued storytellers.
• Denmark: 1906 2 Krone – Built a full commemorative set myself; their artistry still stops me mid-cataloging.
• Spain: 1900 50 Centimos – Affordable Alfonso XIII entry, but inspect for corrosion hiding under toning.
• Portugal: 1909 200 Reales – Minted during political chaos; surprisingly decent details survive if you’re patient.
• Russian Empire: 1905 20 Kopek – Silver revolution-era pieces demand careful grading—that double eagle wears thin fast.
• Sweden: 1907 2 Krone – Steady market for these Scandinavian beauties; my first “big” purchase.
• Hungary: 1900 2 Filler – Charming copper filler for themed collections, often overlooked.
• Germany Bremen: 1909 Issue – Regional mint character that spices up any German set.
• 1908 Maundy Set – British tradition in miniature silver; handle like lace—they nick if you breathe wrong.

Lessons from the Trenches

Building my Danish commemorative set taught me that starting with common dates builds momentum—then the hunt for rarities gets thrilling. With silver coins, I’ve learned to scrutinize three things: mint bloom (that cartwheel effect), rim sharpness, and wear on design peaks. While demand stays steady, rarities like that Leichtenstein can skyrocket overnight. Stick with reputable dealers—I’ve seen too many heartbreaks with fakes.

For New Collectors

Start small with Belgian Francs or Spanish Centimos—they’re friendly teachers. Since many contain silver, store them in acid-free sleeves; I learned about toning the hard way after leaving one in a cardboard flip! Coin shows remain my favorite hunting grounds, but when buying online, that 10x loupe is your best friend—check mint marks like a hawk. And here’s my favorite tip: Research the history behind coins like Russia’s 1905 issues. Knowing the story transforms metal into living history.

These European coins haven’t just filled my albums—they’ve reshaped how I see history. Hope you catch the bug too!