Three Prussian Kings on the Medal of 1870

Monuments for memory of the battle from 6 August 1870.

The battle of the regiments from different German states against the Frenchmen defending the Höhenzug with Spichern had high losses on both sides: on French side one counted 4078 dead and wound and missing, of the German regiments 4817 men, including 800 dead. Soon after 1870 these soldiers were buried in the honor valley, and on the battleground the first hero monuments were developed for the regiments involved. Mostly at the anniversaries of the battle from 6 August further monuments were inaugurated in the framework by solemn ceremonies, and soon the Spicherer heights developed as a national place of pilgrimage, where visitors could, as with the stations of the cross, go from one Monument to the other.

 William I, 1797–1888, King of Prussia (1861–88) Emperor of Germany (1871–88), second son of the future King Frederick William III of Prussia. William I commanded in person in the Franco-Prussia War of 1870–71, received the surrender of Napoleon III at Sedan, and was proclaimed (Jan. 18, 1871) Emperor of Germany in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

Frederick III, 1831–88, King of Prussia (Mar.–June, 1888) and Emperor of Germany, son and successor of William I.

William II, 1859–1941, King of Prussia (1888–1918) and Emperor of Germany, son and successor of Frederick III and grandson of William I of Germany and of Queen Victoria of England.

Obverse: Battle Scene / mark, in center, STURM AUF DEM SPICHERER BERG, / (star) 6 August 1870 (star), around below.

Reverse: Three heads facing left in center, WILHELM I   FRIEDERICH III   WILHELM II, around above, / (star) mark (star), below.