My Exploration of European Coins from the 1900s

European coins from 1900 to 1909 have always fascinated me. It was a time of huge change, and the coins reflect that beautifully. Holding one is like holding a piece of history—you can almost feel the empires, economies, and artistry of the era.

Coins That Caught My Eye

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of handling some real gems from this decade. Let me share a few that I find particularly special:

• Austria 1 Krone 1908: That silver piece with Emperor Franz Joseph I is a classic. They’re fairly common, but I always look for sharp strikes to get the best grades.
• Liechtenstein 1 Krone 1904: With such a low mintage, this one’s extremely rare. I’ve only seen a few at auction—a true prize for serious collectors.
• Hungary 5 Korona 1908: This stunning gold coin from the Austro-Hungarian era is a real treasure. They’re highly valuable now, so when I look at one, I check for full luster and as few contact marks as possible.
• Denmark 2 Krone 1906: I put together a set of these commemoratives years ago—they’ve got such intricate designs celebrating Danish royalty. Absolutely beautiful and perfect for thematic collectors.
• Russian Empire 20 Kopek 1905: This copper piece comes from a revolutionary time. I always check for mint marks like the St. Petersburg ‘CПБ’ to see how rare it is.
• Prussia 2 Mark 1901: Common, yes, but elegantly designed. I look for strong details on the eagle—it makes a big difference in resale value.
• Hamburg 3 Mark 1909: Issued by a free city, these are scarce and often overlooked. I’ve managed to grab a few at bargain prices online.

Tips I’ve Picked Up Along the Way

Here’s some advice I’ve gathered from my own collecting:

• Grading Focus: Pay attention to wear on high points—like the king’s crown on that Belgium 1 Franc 1909. A loupe helps spot hairlines or cleaning, which can really hurt value.
• Market Insights: Coins from smaller states or commemoratives, like the Swedish 2 Krone 1907, are getting more popular. I set auction alerts and have found great deals by going after lesser-known coins first.
• Building Sets: Start with common coins like the Spain 50 Centimos 1900 to get your feet wet. For tougher ones like the Portugal 200 Reales 1909, chatting with dealers helps—I’ve traded duplicates to fill gaps in my collection.
• Historical Context: Don’t forget the history. Knowing the era—like the end of the gold standard—adds so much. Take the Hungary 2 Filler 1900: it reflects tough economic times and makes for a great story.

I also love the British 1908 Maundy Set. It’s not technically European, but it fits the period and the design and tradition are fascinating.

All in all, collecting these coins is a blast. Whether you’re chasing that one elusive piece or just getting started, enjoy the hunt and the history you hold in your hands!