KARL GOETZ MEDALS. Germany. The Founder and the Protector of the Reich Silver Medal, 1931. Munich Mint. EXTREMELY FINE. Kienast-457. 60mm. By Karl Goetz. Obverse: Jugate busts of Paul von Hindenburg and Otto von Bismarck right; Reverse: Legend between crown and head of German eagle emerging from flames. <em>Edge</em>: BAYER HAUPTMUNZAMT FEINSILBER. Deep gunmetal gray surfaces, with a few scattered, unobtrusive marks.<p><em>A highly segmented area, the region that now comprises Germany was once broken into numerous fiefdoms under the Holy Roman Empire. As other neighboring lands in Western Europe began to coalesce their power and structure, Bismarck used his diplomacy and political skill to achieve something similar at home, forming the German Empire in 1871. From this time forward, he would be recognized and celebrated for his vital role in German unification and stature within Europe.</em><p><em>Before serving as the president of the German Reich and his unintended role in giving rise to Nazism and Adolf Hitler in 1933, Paul von Hindenburg was a celebrated general within the German Empire, first retiring in 1911. Upon the outbreak of WWI, however, he was called upon to serve once again, where he oversaw a major and much celebrated German victory at Tannenberg in 1914. Following this campaign, Hindenburg s star rose to a national level, paving the way for his ensuing political career during the Weimar period.</em> From the Richard Jewell Collection.
