Germany - Pforzheim

Pforzheim's history dates back to Roman times. A Roman settlement was established on the site of the city around 90 AD, which was called Portus. This is where the city got its name. It was first mentioned in an official document in 1067 and received fair rights around 1080. The city suffered a serious fire in the 16th century and then became the residence of the Baden margraves in the 18th century. In the 20th century, Pforzheim became a center for jewelry and watchmaking, hence the name "Goldstadt" (Golden City). During World War II, on February 23, 1945, 80% of the city was destroyed in a heavy bombing raid, killing 18,000 people. Reconstruction took decades, but Pforzheim is now once again a thriving industrial and cultural center.

Pforzheim, a city in southwestern Germany, in Baden-Württemberg, has played and continues to play a significant role in the history of coinage and precious metal processing. It is not for nothing that it is called the "Golden City" (Goldstadt). The city's coinage traditions are deeply rooted. Although Pforzheim was not an official state mint, there were many private companies and enterprises that produced coins, medals and other precious metal products. As early as the 18th century, watchmaking appeared in the city, and then jewelry making related to it. This laid the foundation for expertise in precious metal processing. In the 19th century, Pforzheim became one of the most important centers of gold and silver production in Germany. At this time, important companies such as Heimerle + Meule (founded in 1845, Germany's oldest combined gold and silver refinery) and C. Hafner (founded in 1850) were founded, which are still decisive players in the precious metals market today and also produce investment gold bars and coins. The BH Mayer art mint (1871-1999) operated in Pforzheim, which not only produced circulation coins, but also numerous commemorative coins and medals. These include war relief coins and commemorative medals. In Pforzheim, private companies often produced coins and medals for various purposes, such as city commemorative medals, sports medals, anniversary coins and advertising pieces. Pforzheim's reputation for jewelry and watchmaking as well as precious metal processing is unique in Germany. The city is also home to Germany's only goldsmith and watchmaking school, further strengthening its image as a "Goldstadt". Although the official German euro coins are minted at other state mints (such as Karlsruhe or Stuttgart), Pforzheim remains an active player in the precious metal and coin market through private companies, especially in the area of investment and commemorative coins.