Julius Lange Plaque

Have you ever wondered about the history of a seemingly ordinary house? Here, on Brandenburger Straße 29, in Potsdam, you will find much more than just a building. Take a closer look at the Julius Lange Plaque. It commemorates a life dedicated to the fascinating world of coins and the history of Potsdam. This plaque, unveiled in September 2019, serves as a testament to Julius Lange, a butcher by trade who dedicated his life to numismatics and the history of Potsdam and Brandenburg. His passion for coins started in his youth, leading him to become a respected figure in the numismatic community. While working in his father’s butcher shop, he began exploring medieval coins. Even after his retirement in 1870, he continued researching and collecting coins. His dedication to his craft wasn’t limited to his own collection. In 1880, he spearheaded the recovery of a significant coin discovery: nearly 1800 coins dating back to 1140-1184, found in a field near Michendorf. This find revealed the existence of a forgotten Slavic princess, Petrissa, who played a crucial role in the rise of Brandenburg’s Askanian dynasty. Julius Lange, the butcher, became an irreplaceable figure in the rich history of numismatics and Brandenburg, not just as an expert but also as a champion of historical preservation. The plaque is a tribute to his life’s work, allowing his story to continue inspiring generations to come.