Austrian Centenary Medal Appraisal

Centenary Medal (Zentenarmedaille) 1897

This is a German commemorative medal, known as the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Medal or Zentenarmedaille, established in 1897 to mark the 100th birthday of Kaiser Wilhelm I. The medal is circular and cast in yellow-bronze or 'gunmetal' sourced from captured enemy cannon. The obverse features a profile bust of Kaiser Wilhelm I facing right, wearing a Pickelhaube (spiked helmet), a military uniform, and a mantle. The inscriptions 'WILHELM DER GROSSE DEUTSCHER KAISER' (Wilhelm the Great German Emperor) and 'KOENIG VON PREUSSEN' (King of Prussia) are prominently displayed in relief. The piece shows a rich golden-brown patina consistent with late 19th-century bronze age. Condition is very good, showing light surface wear and minor oxidation flecks or 'foxing' typical for its age, with sharp detail still visible in the beard and the eagle scale armor of the mantle. The craftsmanship is high-quality, typical of the Berlin State Mint production of that era. This specific example appears to be an original issue, lacking some of the sharper modern restrike characteristics. It is partially obscured by ribbon remnants and sits amongst other military decorations, including a visible yellow ribbon and parts of a 1914 Iron Cross second class ribbon.