Koblenz

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)

KOBLENZ

State : Rheinland-Pfalz
Urban District (Stadtkreis) : Koblenz
Additions : 1891 Neuendorf mit Lützel; 1902 Moselweiß; 1923 Wallersheim; 1937 Ehrenbreitstein, Horchheim, Metternich, Pfaffendorf; 1969 Güls, Kesselheim, Stolzenfels; 1970 Arenberg, Arzheim, Bubenheim, Immendorf, Lay, Rübenach

Official blazon

In Silber ein durchgehendes rotes Balkenkreuz, belegt mit einer goldenen Krone mit drei langstieligen rautenkleeblättrigen Zinken.

Origin/meaning

The first seals of Koblenz were mentioned in 1198, but the oldest existing seals date from the 13^th century. All seals until 1282 show a city wall with a church and a lily (for St. Mary). In 1282 a rose appears on the seals. In the 13^th century the present arms appear. The cross on the arms is derived from the arms of the State of Trier, to which the city belonged at the time.
The crown is described as a Crown of Mary, St. Mary being the patron saint of the city.

The seal of Koblenz from 1261 (source : Diederich, 1984)

The only time the city used other arms was during the occupation under Napoleon. In 1810 arms were granted with in the lower half two wavy bends joining in the middle (for Confluentia, as in Koblenz the Mosel and Rhein rivers join). The upper half showed a silver diamond in a blue field, with a red cross and flowers on the diamond, which was flanked by two dolphins. And a chief with some grape vines. After the fall of Napoleon the old arms were restored.