Germany GDR 20 Mark Otto Grotewohl Commemorative Coin - 1973

Issued in 1973, this 20 Mark commemorative coin honors Otto Grotewohl, East Germany’s first prime minister. Struck by the Berlin mint (mark “A”) in copper-nickel, this substantial 33 mm, 15 g piece features a dignified portrait of Grotewohl (1894–1964) on the obverse and the GDR state emblem with denomination on the reverse. With a limited mintage of 2,500,000, it's a collectible highlight from DDR numismatic history.
Specifications:
Attribute Details
Year 1973
Country/Issuer GDR (German Democratic Republic)
Denomination 20 Mark (commemorative)
Metal Copper-Nickel-Zinc (Neusilber)
Weight 15.00 g
Diameter 33 mm
Edge Plain with “ 20 MARK * 20 MARK * …” inscription
Mint Mark A – Berlin (mintage 2,500,000)
Obverse Design Portrait of Otto Grotewohl (1894–1964), surrounded by “OTTO GROTEWOHL”
Reverse Design GDR state emblem, denomination “20” and year “1973”
Historical Context:
Otto Grotewohl served as Minister-President of East Germany from 1949 until 1964. As a major figure in the SED party and DDR leadership, his 1973 commemorative coin reflects the GDR’s tradition of honoring its political leaders
Mintage & Rarity:
Mintage: 2,500,000 (Berlin A)
Scarcity: Mid-range; common in UNC but sought after by DDR collectors