Up for sale is a pair of artefacts from the German Light Cruiser ship, the SMS Emden. (World War I)

This sale includes an original paper envelope found with the pair of coins. The coins have evidently been sitting in this envelope for quite some time due to the toning on the brass token.

On November 9th, 1914, the Emden was engaged by the Australian light cruiser, HMAS Sydney, in a naval battle off the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. (Now an Australian territory) The Emden was ultimately defeated by the HMAS Sydney during this battle., making it Australia’s first naval victory. The battle between the Emden and the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney represented a significant victory for Australia in the early stages of the war, and helped to establish the country's reputation as a formidable naval power.

The five pfennig tokens were issued to the crew of the Emden as a form of currency, and were used to purchase items at the ship's canteen. The obverse features the denomination, a large ‘5’, while the reverse bears the inscription "5 Kantine" and the ship's name, "Kreuzer Emden".

The Mexican 8 Reales silver coin is another artefact included in this sale, which shows remains of being transformed into a badge/ medal. Approximately 6000 of these 8 reale silver coins were recovered from the treasury of the Emden, with 1000 being made into medals issued to officers aboard the HMAS Sydney. The remainder of these coins, such as the one shown here, were sold to the public as souvenirs of the battle.

At this point in time, the Spanish Reale was seen as a ‘universal currency,’ and was commonly used throughout the world during the 19th century, particularly in the Far East. In fact, the 8 Reales was so widely accepted that it was known as the "Spanish dollar" and was even the basis for the US dollar.

Purchase a tangible connection to the naval warfare of World War 1, and Australia’s first naval victory.

I am unsure exactly when the coins were placed in the envelope and the exact significance, but I received them this way. My guess is they have been together for quite a number of decades.

Combined shipping available. See my other listings. I will be listing many more antiques, militaria, and coins over the next few weeks.

Shipping Australia-wide. Will come tracked with signature.

Free local pickup/ drop off in the Ballarat/ Beaufort areas.

Thanks.