Ich Dien – Learn About the German Phrase Used on British Coins

British coinage is considered to have one of the richest histories, compared to any nation globally. Our long tradition of Kings and Queens has resulted in one of the world’s oldest coinage systems that have witnessed the reigns of several monarchs over centuries. When we study European coinage, Britain’s history is distinctive and different from the coinage of other European kingdoms and monarchies.

During the 19^th century, there were approximately 20 ruling monarchies across Europe. Of course, the currency coins released by many of these monarchs featured a stylised image of the ruler and motif or a coat of arms on the other side of the coin. Now, British coins have had certain peculiarities in the past. These usually consisted of a slogan or a line embossed on the coin. However, who would’ve thought that the German words ‘ich dien’ could appear on a British coin?

Two pence coin bearing the inscription – ‘ich dien’

What does ‘ich dien’ mean?

Well, the words ‘ich dien’ in the German language literally means ‘I serve’. These words appear on the coat of arms of the Prince of Wales. The words appeared as early as the 14^th century, leading to several speculations regarding the origins of the phrase. Interestingly, these words have also been used by Edward the Black Prince. The phrase may have been adopted following an alliance or a meeting with a German monarch, but history has no record of any such event. Therefore, we may never know the exact reason why the phrase ‘ich dien’ was adopted.

The feathers of the Prince of Wales

It is customary for many royal houses to have an insignia or a coat of arms. This creates an identity that can be instantly recognised, much like a logo on a product. The Prince of Wales uses a heraldic badge as the royal emblem. The words ‘ich dien’ is imprinted on the bottom of this badge. However, the phrase was not used only on the emblem. The words ‘ich dien’ can be found imprinted on certain British coins over the years.

1870 belt plate from Cornwall with the inscription – ‘ich dien’

British coins that carry the words ‘ich dien’

The most commonly found ‘ich dien’ coin is the two pence coin. The words appear on the reverse of the coins of this denomination that were issued between the years 1971 and 2008. Of course, this was not so long ago, and so many such coins can be found in circulation even today. You may have one in your pocket right now!

2008 proof coin celebrating the birthday of Prince Charles

In 2008, his Majesty the Prince of Wales celebrated his 60^th birthday. To commemorate this important occasion, a proof coin was minted and released by the Royal Mint. This coin has the words ‘ich dien’ embossed directly on the face of the coin, underneath a stylised image of Prince Charles. This proof coin is of interest to numismatists due to its uniqueness.

Other British coins containing the phrase ‘ich dien’

While the above are examples of recent British coins that contain the German phrase, many other notable coins do so too. The 1811 one penny “Bristol and South Wales” Coin also carries the Prince of Wales’s feathers and the inscription ‘ich dien’. Similarly, there is a British India medal, although officially not a coin in circulation, it carries the words, ‘ich dien’. This medal commemorates the royal visit of King George the fifth to India.

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Image credits: Wikimedia Commons and Wikimedia Commons