How to Identify the 25 Gulden
A collector's guide to confirming the 1923 Danzig gold 25 Gulden by its lion-supported arms, trident-bearing figure, gold format, and legends.
Read the full 25 Gulden encyclopedia entry →
Read the Legend and Denomination First
Start with the text. A genuine coin of this type carries the legend FREIE STADT DANZIG (Free City of Danzig) around the arms and states the value as 25 GULDEN on the figure side, with the date 1923. That combination of issuing name, value, and date is the fastest way to confirm the exact type and to separate it from other Danzig denominations.
Confirm Both Sides Match
The obverse must show the Danzig coat of arms: a crowned shield bearing two crosses, flanked and supported by two rampant lions. The reverse must show an armed female figure holding a trident, above the 25 GULDEN value. If the arms lack the lion supporters, or the reverse shows a different design or value, it is not this type.
Check Size, Weight, and Metal
This is a small gold coin, only about two centimeters across and a few grams in weight, so it is compact but noticeably dense with the warm color of gold. It should be non-magnetic. A piece of this design that is oversized, lightweight for its size, pale, or attracted to a magnet is a warning sign, since the genuine coin is a small, dense gold issue.
Rule Out Look-Alikes and Other Denominations
Danzig issued more than one gold and Gulden denomination, so always read the stated value rather than relying on the design alone; related pieces share the arms but differ in value and size. Be aware that scarce, valuable gold types like this attract modern copies, replicas, and souvenir strikes that imitate the design; the presence of the correct legend and value does not by itself prove authenticity.
Authentication Cautions
Because it is a rare and valuable gold coin, this type is a target for counterfeits, cast fakes, and altered or added dates. Weigh and measure the coin, compare the arms, lion supporters, and trident figure against trusted reference images, and watch for soft strikes, wrong weight, seams, or filed edges. For any piece of real value, third-party authentication and grading are strongly advised before buying or selling.
Frequently asked questions
What legend confirms it is a Danzig coin?
Look for FREIE STADT DANZIG (Free City of Danzig) around the coat of arms. Combined with the 25 GULDEN value and the 1923 date, this identifies the exact type.
How do I recognize the two sides?
The obverse shows the Danzig arms, a crowned double-cross shield supported by two rampant lions. The reverse shows an armed female figure holding a trident above the value 25 GULDEN.
What size and metal should it be?
It is a small gold coin, roughly two centimeters across and only a few grams, so it is compact but dense and warm-colored. It should be non-magnetic; a magnetic or oversized piece is suspect.
Is authentication worth it?
Yes. As a rare and valuable gold type it is frequently faked or copied, so verifying weight, diameter, and design details, or using third-party certification, is strongly recommended before any significant purchase.