As the first vehicle powered by an internal
combustion engine, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, built by Carl Benz in 1886, is
thought of as the world's first car. This fine silver coin is dated 2002.
A two-seater, three-wheeled automobile with a rear-mounted engine, Benz’s creation featured a host of new inventions. Constructed of steel tubing with
woodwork panels, the Motorwagen came with steel-spoked wheels and solid rubber
tires of Benz's own design. The engine output was 0.75 horsepower with a speed
of up to 15 KPH. Details included an automatic intake slide, a controlled
exhaust valve, high-voltage electrical vibrator ignition with spark plug, and
water/thermo siphon evaporation cooling. Steering was by tiller, and the only
means of braking was the large hand lever acting upon a leather-covered block. The original cost of the vehicle was $1,000.
No less than 25 production units of the patent motorwagen were sold.
Diameter: 40 mm Material: Silver Fineness: 0.999 Weight: 26 g Bullion Weight: 0.835 Troy Ounces
Obverse: Lion Reverse: 1886 Benz Motorwagen Finish: Proof Quantity Produced: 15000 Theme(s): World Mint Collectibles
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