1936-1939 Silver 2 Reichsmark

During the war, German silver coins were highly sought after by both soldiers and civilians as souvenirs. The civilians, in particular, would hoard these coins because of their silver content, which was especially valuable at the beginning of the war.

Soviet soldiers, on the other hand, had a different use for these coins. They would melt them down to make vodka shot cups. This practice became quite popular among the troops, as it allowed them to enjoy a drink in a unique and makeshift cup made from a piece of enemy currency.

The process of melting down the coins was not only practical but also symbolic. It was a way for the Soviet soldiers to show their defiance towards the German forces and to repurpose the spoils of war into something useful for themselves.

As the war raged on, the demand for German silver coins as souvenirs grew, leading to a thriving black market trade among the civilians. The coins became a symbol of resistance and resourcefulness, as people found creative ways to make use of the enemy's currency in their daily lives.

In the years following the war, these coins continued to hold a special significance for those who had lived through the conflict. They served as a reminder of the hardships endured and the ingenuity displayed by both civilians and soldiers in the face of adversity. The legacy of the German silver coin lives on as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of those who lived through one of the darkest periods of history.

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