Germany (Weimar Republic). Silver 3 Mark “Karl von Stein” Coin.
Mint Year: 1931
Mint Place: Berlin (A)
Reference: KM-73
Denomination: 3 Mark – Centenary of the Death of Karl von Stein
Material: Silver (.500)
Weight: 15gm
Obverse: Head of Karl von stein left above inscription (STEIN). Legend: ICH HABE NUR EIN VATERLAND UND DAS HEISSTE DEUTSCHLAND . Translated: "I have only one homeland and its name is Germany."
Reverse: Heraldic eagle of Germany, flnaked by anniversary dates (1831-1931) Legend: DEUTSCHES REICH – DREI REICHSMARK
Heinrich Friedrich Karl Reichsfreiherr vom und zum Stein (25 October 1757 – 29 June 1831), commonly known as Baron vom Stein, was a Prussian statesman who introduced the Prussian reforms that paved the way for the unification of Germany. He promoted the abolition of serfdom, with indemnification to territorial lords; subjection of the nobles to manorial imposts; and the establishment of a modern municipal system.
Stein was from an old Franconian family. He was born on the family estate near Nassau, studied at Göttingen, and entered the civil service. Prussian conservatism hampered him in his efforts to bring about changes. In 1807, he was removed from office by the King for refusing to accept the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs, but was recalled after the Peace of Tilsit.
After it became known that he had written a letter in which he criticized Napoleon, Stein was obliged to resign which he did on 24 November 1808, and retired to the Austrian Empire, from which he was summoned to the Russian Empire by Tsar Alexander I in 1812. After the Battle of Leipzig in 1813, Stein became head of the council for the administration of the re-conquered German countries.