{"product_id":"wc-6064-german-states-1913a-prussia-5-marks-au55","title":"German States 1913A Prussia 5 Marks AU-UNC (AU55) (L)","description":"German States 1913A Prussia 5 Marks AU-UNC (AU55) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWilhelm II of Prussia (1859–1941), better known as Kaiser Wilhelm II, was the last King of Prussia and the final German Emperor, ruling from 1888 until his abdication in 1918. He came to the throne during the “Year of the Three Emperors,” succeeding his father, Frederick III of Germany, and his grandfather, William I of Germany. Wilhelm II was known for his assertive personality and desire to exercise direct control over government, which led to the dismissal of the seasoned chancellor Otto von Bismarck in 1890. This marked a turning point in German policy, as Wilhelm pursued a more aggressive and unpredictable course in both domestic and foreign affairs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnder Wilhelm II, Germany adopted a policy of \u003ci\u003eWeltpolitik\u003c\/i\u003e (world policy), aiming to expand its influence through naval power and colonial ambitions. His support for a major naval buildup brought Germany into rivalry with the United Kingdom, contributing to rising tensions in Europe before World War I. Although Wilhelm often played a visible role in public and diplomatic matters, historians debate how much direct control he exercised during the war itself, as military leaders increasingly dominated decision-making. Nonetheless, his leadership style and foreign policy choices are widely seen as factors that helped destabilize the European balance of power in the early 20th century. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGermany’s defeat in World War I led to revolution at home, and in November 1918 Wilhelm II abdicated both the Prussian and imperial thrones. He fled into exile in the Netherlands, where he lived for the remainder of his life. His abdication marked the end of the German Empire and the Hohenzollern monarchy, ushering in a new republican era in Germany. Wilhelm remains a controversial figure, often remembered for his role in the lead-up to World War I and as a symbol of the collapse of imperial Germany.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eObverse: The uniformed bust of Wilhelm II facing right, with the legend around, and mintmark below. \u003cbr\u003eReverse: The Crowned Imperial Eagle with the denomination below, date to the right, and the legend around. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications: \u003cbr\u003eIssuer: The Kingdom of Prussia \u003cbr\u003eMonarch: Wilhelm II (1888-1918) \u003cbr\u003eComposition: 0.900 Silver \u003cbr\u003eWeight: 27.77 g \u003cbr\u003eDiameter: 38 mm \u003cbr\u003eEdge: Inscripted \u003cbr\u003eDie Axis: ↑↑ \u003cbr\u003eMint: Berlin, Germany\u003cbr\u003eMintage: 1,960,000","brand":"Colonial Acres Coins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51803416101153,"sku":"WC-6064","price":178.5,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/1744\/7457\/files\/WC-6064_2.jpg?v=1757690609","url":"https:\/\/www.colonialacres.com\/products\/wc-6064-german-states-1913a-prussia-5-marks-au55","provider":"Colonial Acres Coins","version":"1.0","type":"link"}