Obverse: Features the left-facing bust of King John I of Saxony with the inscription IOHANN V.G.G. KOENIG VON SACHSEN (“John, by the grace of God, King of Saxony”). Below the portrait appears the mintmark “E”, denoting the Dresden Mint.
Reverse: Displays the crowned Imperial German eagle with wings spread. At the bottom between two stars is the denomination “10 M.” and the year “1873”. Around the edge reads DEUTSCHES REICH (“German Empire”).
About the coin: This 10 Mark gold coin was struck in the Kingdom of Saxony during 1872–1873, following its inclusion in the newly formed German Empire. King John I ruled from 1854 to 1873, a period during which Saxony remained a major cultural and economic center. The coin is made of 90% gold, weighing 3.982 g, which equals 3.5838 g of pure gold. Today, these coins are treasured historical relics marking the early years of the German Empire.
