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WWI British Propaganda Lusitania Medal (1915 Sinking Error Date) - $100
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This item is an original World War I British counter-propaganda replica of the German Lusitania satirical medal. It was mass-produced by British Naval Intelligence starting in 1916 as a psychological warfare tool after capturing a German artistic original created by sculptor Karl Goetz. British Naval Intelligence
starting in 1916. original created by sculptor Karl Goetz.
The close-up photos capture the exact traits that define the British versions: the cast iron is thick and heavy, the background fields feature a coarse, sand-cast texture, and the German typography remains exactly intact to preserve the mistake that fueled the propaganda.
The Wartime History
The medal tells a cynical story from both sides of the conflict:
* The Sinking Side (Obverse): Shows the RMS Lusitania sinking under the weight of weapons, cannons, and airplanes. The text at the top declares "KEINE BANNWARE" (No Contraband), which was Germany's justification for torpedoing the liner, alleging it was secretly carrying war munitions. At the bottom sits the famous typographical error: 5. MAI 1915. The ship actually sank two days later, on May 7th.
* The Ticket Side (Reverse): Depicts a crowd of passengers buying tickets from a skeletal personification of Death inside a Cunard Line booking window. The banner reading "GESCHÄFT ÜBER ALLES" (Business Above All) accuses the British government and the shipping company of greed—alleging they knowingly put civilian lives at risk for profit despite German submarine warnings.
The Propaganda Trap
When the British government discovered the German medal and its incorrect May 5th date, they saw an incredible opportunity to influence global opinion. They claimed the date "proved" the German military had planned the sinking in advance and minted a celebratory medal before the torpedoes were even fired.
* **Material & Weight:** Authentic, thick sand-cast iron with a substantial, heavy feel and a rough historical patina.
* **Condition:** Excellent vintage/antique condition. Loose medal (does not include original cardboard box or paper leaflet). Clear, legible lettering and crisp imagery with beautiful deep iron-gray coloring. (Please review photos carefully for exact cosmetic condition). A fantastic, tactile piec
Because the British distributed these by the hundreds of thousands, they are the most common variant found by collectors and dealers
Dimensions: approx” : 2.12 to 2.18 inches