*German, WW1-1916, Original Karl Goetz Lusitania Medal, Cast Iron, “5. MAI” Error Date*
An original German satirical propaganda medal designed by Munich medallist Karl Goetz in 1916 to mark the controversial sinking of the RMS Lusitania during World War I. Struck in cast iron and measuring approximately 5.5 cm in diameter, this is the authentic first issue, identifiable by the incorrect date “5. MAI 1915” — a notorious error that ignited a propaganda backlash and led to British counter-reproductions. The mistaken date “5 MAI” instead of “7 MAI” gave rise to British accusations that the Germans had planned the sinking in advance. British authorities then produced hundreds of thousands of cast copies, correcting the date and distributing them widely as wartime propaganda.
Shortly after 2:10pm on Friday, 7 May 1915, the British Cunard liner Lusitania was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland by German submarine U-20. It sank in under twenty minutes with the loss of 1,201 lives, including 128 American citizens. The German U-boat commander observed the sinking and fled the area, returning to Wilhelmshaven six days later.
Goetz, deeply critical of what he viewed as British and Cunard irresponsibility, created this medal to mock Allied outrage and highlight what he considered the legitimate military rationale behind the attack. The Lusitania was officially listed as an armed auxiliary cruiser and was carrying rifle cartridges and artillery shell casings. Germany had also declared unrestricted submarine warfare in February 1915 as retaliation for the British naval blockade.
The obverse of the medal shows the Lusitania sinking with armaments on deck, surrounded by the legend “KEINE BANNWARE” (“No Contraband”). The inscription below reads:
“DER GROSSDAMPFER LUSITANIA DURCH EIN DEUTSCHES TAUCHBOOT VERSENKT 5 MAI 1915”
(“The great liner Lusitania sunk by a German submarine, 5 May 1915”).
The reverse shows civilians lining up to purchase tickets from Death, depicted as a skeleton in a Cunard ticket office window, with the inscriptions “GESCHÄFT ÜBER ALLES” (“Business Above All”) and “FAHRKARTEN AUSGABE” (“Ticket Office”). The design satirises the prioritisation of profit over civilian safety, and also questions American neutrality.
*Condition*
Cast iron with a rich, original dark patina and minor oxidation consistent with age. Detail remains strong for a cast piece, with inscriptions and relief clearly legible. No cracks or repairs. Unboxed.
JAQBO_2602140525
