The Imperial German 1897 Kaiser Wilhelm I Birthday Medal was unofficially struck to honor the 100th Birthday of Kaiser Wilhelm I as a civilian response to the establishment of the Prussian 1897 Centenary Medal, which was officially authorized on 22 March 1897.   The recipients had to purchase their unofficial medals.

This very thin medal is about 3cm wide and made of a silver alloy similar to coin silver.  The obverse shows a raised relief profile portrait of Kaiser Wilhelm I with a laurel spray below and the raised relief inscription WILHELM I DEUTSCHER KAISER (Wilhelm I, German Emperor).  The reverse has the raised relief inscription DEUTSCHLANDS UNVERGESSLICHEM KAISER ZUM 100. GEBURTSTAGE 1897 (Germany's Unforgettable Emperor on the 100th Birthday 1897).  A raised relief design of a laurel leaf spray and oak leave branches is below 2 uniformed arms supporting the Imperial crown with radiants.  The reverse rim is beaded with the wording and a circle surrounds the design.  The original silk ribbon is plain yellow (representing gold) which varies in width depending on the maker (typically 3cm to 4cm).   An integral extended loop is part of the struck medal (not attached) with 2 suspension rings added for wearing (but these are often removed, rearranged or have had 1 removed).  There are no hallmarks.  It's interesting to note that there are no Prussia references associated with this medal, only Imperial German.  Single examples of this medal typically sell for about €50 in Germany (more than the official issue!), but are not often encountered.  They are sometimes found with groups of official &/or unofficial medals but (when found) are most often located as loose examples mixed in with jewelry or coins.

Copies are currently unknown but might exist.  My best advice is:  Buy only from a reputable dealer who specializes in Imperial German medals.

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