A Masterpiece of Colonial Artistry

The 1894 German New Guinea 2 Mark Silver Coin – Bird of Paradise Design
A rare colonial-era coin featuring one of the world’s most beautiful birds — a harmonious blend of artistry, rarity, and historical significance.

■ Design

Obverse:
A detailed engraving of the Bird of Paradise, perched on a branch. This majestic bird was revered locally as a symbol of prosperity, peace, and prestige, and was chosen to represent the colony’s identity.

Reverse:
Denomination and year “2 NEUGUINEA MARK 1894” encircled by a palm frond wreath.
Legend: “NEU-GUINEA COMPAGNIE” — the German New Guinea Company, which administered the territory at the time.

This coin is widely considered one of the most visually captivating colonial issues of the 19th century.

■ Grade

MS63 – Mint State
NGC Certification Page

■ Coin Details

• Issuing Authority: German New Guinea

• Date: 1894

• Mint: Berlin

• Mintage: 13,000 coins

• Estimated Survivors: Very limited due to post-issue melting and recall

• Metal: Silver

• Weight: 11.111 grams

• Diameter: 28 mm

• NGC Graded Population: 127 coins

• Grade Ranking: 6th highest at NGC

■ Rarity

Although 13,000 coins were minted, a large portion was later melted or recalled, drastically reducing the number of coins that remain today. With only 127 examples certified by NGC, and MS63 ranking as the 6th highest certified grade, this coin stands out as a truly scarce colonial artifact.

Collectors value this series not only for its beautiful design but also for its limited availability. Most surviving examples remain in long-term collections, rarely surfacing on the market. When they do appear, they tend to sell quickly due to consistent demand from international buyers.

■ Condition

Graded MS63 (Mint State) by NGC, this coin exhibits:

• Sharp detail on the feathers, wreath, and lettering

• Minimal handling marks or signs of wear

• Strong luster and well-defined reliefs

Despite being nearly 130 years old, it retains much of its original brilliance, a testament to both high-quality minting and careful preservation. This is a top-condition example of one of the most artistically refined silver coins of the German colonial period.

■ Historical Significance

In the late 19th century, Germany established protectorates in the South Pacific, including northeastern New Guinea. From 1884 to 1899, the region was governed by the German New Guinea Company, a chartered private entity acting under imperial authority.

The 1894 coinage series, which included silver and copper denominations, was a one-year issue created to serve local trade while symbolizing German presence. The Bird of Paradise was selected as the design’s centerpiece after imperial imagery was denied approval — an important decision that acknowledged and respected local culture.

These coins, minted in Berlin, reflect a balance between German craftsmanship and Pacific symbolism. The elegant lines, detailed reliefs, and peaceful composition make the 2 Mark silver coin a standout of colonial-era numismatics.

■ Market Outlook

The 2 Mark Bird of Paradise coin has become one of the most desirable German colonial issues in the collector world. Its appeal is driven by:

• Single-year issuance (1894)

• Limited mintage and low survival rate

• Striking visual design

• High-grade certification (MS63 and above)

• Strong demand across European, American, and Asian markets

As collectors continue to seek coins with artistic, historical, and geopolitical value, this piece remains a cornerstone of colonial-era collecting.

■ Final Remarks

Owning this 1894 German New Guinea 2 Mark coin means holding a fragment of global history, a product of cross-cultural interaction, and a rare silver coin of exceptional beauty.

Its blend of:

• Historical importance

• Colonial symbolism

• Top-grade preservation
  makes it a highly distinguished acquisition — whether for collecting, investing, or preserving a chapter of numismatic heritage.

This is a coin that rarely appears on the open market. If available, it deserves immediate consideration as a cornerstone of any advanced world coin collection.