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Chessmen (32) made from German coins and six loose coins

1922 and 1923
Not on view
The coins are of denominations from 50 pfennigs to 500 marks. Their use as the material for chess pieces is a telling indication of the high degree of inflation in Germany after the first Word War. The actual value of the coins was very little; the value of the set was in its workmanship rather than its material. The design is such that the pieces are easily recognizable, and practical for use.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Chessmen (32) made from German coins and six loose coins
  • Date: 1922 and 1923
  • Culture: German
  • Medium: Aluminum
  • Dimensions: Height (each king): 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm);
    Height (each pawn): 3/4 in. (1.9 cm)
  • Classification: Chess Sets
  • Credit Line: Gift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1948
  • Object Number: 48.174.168a–p, aa–pp, s, t, u, v, w, x
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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