The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross

Average Price:

$10,000 to $15,000

(The cost varies based on the medal’s historical significance, the recipient’s background, and the condition of the medal)

Time Period: Interwars Period
Institution: September 1939
Country: Germany – Third Reich

The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (or Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes in German) was reinstituted as a German decoration in September 1939. The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross is above the different classes of Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross.

During World War II, only one person received the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross: Hermann Göring.

The original award was destroyed during an air raid in 1943 – after Hitler had deprived Göring of his after feeling betrayed.

The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross Design

The Grand Cross was designed as having an outline in gold. However, this was changed before Göring’s award. He actually had several copies made of his medal, one with platinum edges which he wore. Göring was wearing this version at the time of his surrender in 1945.

The medal was awarded in a red leather case with an embossed gold Reich Eagle. The interior was made in black velvet.

More Variations of the Iron Cross

The Iron Cross, a prestigious German military decoration, has undergone several variations since its inception. For example, the Iron Cross 1813 was instituted during the Napoleonic Wars by King Frederick William III of Prussia, the Iron Cross 1914 was awarded during World War I, it was reinstated by Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the Iron Cross 1939 was revived by Adolf Hitler for World War II, with modifications including a swastika.