650 years of Städtehanse, 10 Euro silver coin 2006, Proof

The Hanse is the name for r a association of Low German merchants from the middle of the 12th century to the middle of the 17th century. The aim of the Hanseatic League was to represent economic interests abroad and to ensure the security of trade routes. The merchants' association quickly turned into a city tehanse , in which cities came together to represent the interests of the merchants.

An important step for the success of the Hanseatic League was securing the sea route across the Baltic Sea. Therefore, the symbol for the Hanseatic League was a cog and the colors of the Hanseatic League were red and white.

The Hanseatic Day was the highest performance and decision-making body of the Hanseatic League. This took place for the first time in 1356 and the last time in the city of L & uuml; beck in 1669. On this day representatives of all large and important Hanseatic cities came together to discuss all important matters affecting the cities and their communities Merchants concerned to advise.

That included that

• Conclusion of contracts,
• Include or exclude members,
• Trade privileges,
• War and peace and economic sanctions.

The Hanseatic League failed because the cities had to subordinate themselves more and more to the ruling rulers and the discovery of America shifted the trading areas and the competition became stronger.

Motif of the 10 euro silver coin

The picture side of the 10 euro silver coin shows the cog as a merchant ship of the Hanseatic cities.