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  The Nazi Era is a period that is guaranteed to evoke strong emotions even 60+ years after the demise of the Third Reich. Wrought with political, social and economic problems the troubled Weimer Era made for a perfect political climate for the rise of the Nazi Party. By 1933, the Nazi rise to power came to a climax with Adolph Hitler's appointment to the position of Chancellor by President Paul von Hindenburg.

  -Tag von Potsdam, 21.March 1933-

  The ceremonial event signified the opening of the Reichstag, elected 16 days earlier. The site and date were chosen by Hitler and Goebbels. The main event took place at the Potsdam Garrison Church, the burial site of Frederick the Great and his father. The symbolic date was chosen since 62 years earlier, to the day, Otto von Bismark convened the Reichstag of the "Second Reich" and this was to signify the Third Reich as the legitimate heir to the Kaiser's Empire. In stark contrast, Paul von Hindenburg stood rigidly in uniform and shared a solemn handshake with Adolph Hitler, head bowed respectfully, which signified the passage of power from the "old guard" to the new. Hindenburg, highly decorated war hero of WWI, was one of two German officers to ever receive the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross for his part in the final German offensive of WWI. The 85 year old President had stated several weeks earlier that he would make Hitler a postmaster so he could lick stamps with Hindenburg's picture on them. The old Field Marshall died in the following year and never realized the true significance of the event that cemented the Nazi hold on Germany and affected the world for decades to come.

  Psychotic political philosophies aside, the Nazi regime were masters of propaganda and used it in there attempts to legitimize their claim as the next German empire. They combined fantastic coin designs with historically popular German figures when at all possible. This era remains among the most popular for coin and militaria collectors, as well as, history buffs. Looks like everyone still wants a piece of the bad guys. I hope you have time to check out a few fine examples of World War II history.