This guide will cover only the Prussian 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class.  The Eiserne Kreuz (Iron Cross - often abbreviated EK or IC) was originally instituted on 10 March 1813 by the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III and was re-introduced by Kaiser Wilhelm II (acting as the King of Prussia) in 1914.  It was awarded for bravery in the field - without regard to rank or status - during World War I.   The 1914 Iron Cross reverse was designed in 1813 by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, a famous Prussian sculptor and architect.  All German and Austrian recipients were entitled to at least one other medal - as a minimum, the 1914-1918 Cross of Honor.  It is unknown how many Iron Crosses 2nd Class were awarded, estimates range from 1.5 to 5.5 million. 

The 1914 Eiserne Kreuz II. Klasse or Iron Cross 2nd Class is approximately 42mm wide, 42mm high (not including the suspension loop), weighing 16 grams, made of blackened iron, and has a silver edge attached with a soldered silver suspension loop through which a silver suspension ring is attached.  Early WWI official issue examples are often hallmarked 800 or 900 on the suspension ring.   Late WWI examples often have a silver plated edge with a non-metallic core and are rarely hallmarked.  It is suspended from a black silk ribbon (about 32mm wide) with 2 white stripes near each edge.   A version of the ribbon with the colors reversed is often called the non-combatant or civilian ribbon.  The obverse had the Imperial Prussian Crown at the 12:00 high position, a W central (for Kaiser Wilhelm II) and the date 1914 at the 6:00 low position.   The reverse had the following design within the silver frame (from top to bottom):  the King's crown with FW below followed with a 3 leaf spray of oak leaves and the date 1813 below that.  The Cross was worn looped through a buttonhole on the jacket (typically the buttonhole closest to the heart) or worn on the left breast close to the heart.  If awarded to a Prussian recipient, it took precedence over other medals worn on a medal bar.  If the recipient was not Prussian, then that state or country rules were followed.

(obverse) 1914 Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse (reverse)

The Iron Cross:  A History, 1813-1957 (Gordon Williamson) and The Iron Time:  A History of the Iron Cross (Stephen Thomas Previteria) are two excellent references that should be consulted but there are many other excellent works as well.  A review of most Imperial German unit histories typically list the number of 1914 Iron Crosses 2nd Class that were awarded and, sometimes, biographical information with illustrations.  The German Decorations & Orders Society (BDOS) publishes outstanding detailed information as well.

Jeweler's copies were made for the recipients who had lost or damaged their Iron Crosses or who wanted a better quality with most being manufactured during the Weimar Republic or shortly afterwards.  Many of the jeweler's copies carry hallmarks and/or maker's marks which aids in identification - but not all - and some of these are not made of iron, making them non-responsive to a magnet test.  It's possible that the ribbon may have been replaced - possibly many times - over the course of time.  It is best to obtain one through a WWI Prussian medal specialist with a full guarantee.   Authentic examples vary considerably in price, from about $25 to over $400.  A beginner should pay about $25 to $50 for a typical basic example - or more if other medal(s) are included.  1914 Iron Crosses 2nd Class priced over $100 are normally specialist items which require a considerable amount of knowledge about that particular Cross.

Copies and forgeries abound.  Most copies (typically cast) are made for collectors or re-enactors who require an example and typically sell for about $10 to $50.  Please review my copy medal guide http://reviews.ebay.com/Worldwide-Military-Medals-Copy-Medal_W0QQugidZ10000000001875117 for a more detailed explanation.  The forgeries are typically struck from dies.  This can be difficult to detect but a trained specialist can make that determination through an analysis of the metal, lettering, and the silver beading.  Extensive documentation on forged 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class examples is available worldwide.  Please review my forgery medal guide http://reviews.ebay.com/Worldwide-Military-Medals-Forgery-Medals_W0QQugidZ10000000001875079 for a more detailed explanation.  Both forgery types are often encountered at flea markets or are offered online - usually at a price approaching that of a verified authentic example.  As mentioned earlier, jeweler's copies are known and are sometimes regarded as suitable collector examples if they are verified contemporary - but many sellers do not make the distinction clear.  Again, the best advice is:  Buy only from a reputable dealer who specializes in WWI Prussian medals.  Please visit my blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li) and/or guides for further information.  Thank you for your visit!