Sunday, June 20, 2010

Third Reich Silver Reichmark

The Reichsmark was introduced in 1924 to replace the Papiermark due to the hyperinflation in Germany in the 1920s. In 1925, 0.500 fine silver 1 and 2 Reichsmark coins were introduction. By 1927, 1 Reichsmark ceased production and was replaced by nickel 1 Reichsmark in 1933. In the same year, a new 2 and 5 Reichsmark of fineness 0.625 and 0.900 respectively were struck. By 1939, due to World War II, Germany could no longer afford to mint silver coins for circulation.

Coin Specifications:
  • 0.900 Silver
  • Weight: 13.8 g
  • Diameter: 29 mm
  • Edge: With words: Germeinnutz geht vor Eigennutz
(Community before self)

5 Reichsmark Obverse (1934)

5 Reichsmark Reverse depicting Potsdam Kirche (1934)

The Reichsmark coins were previously minted in 7 different mints instead of current Euro coins, which are minted in 5 different mints (A, D, F, G, J). The following mint mark indicates where each coin was minted:
  • A - Berlin
  • B - Wien (Vienna)
  • D - Munchen (Munich)
  • E - Muldenhutten (Dresden)
  • F - Stuttgart
  • G - Karlsruhe
  • J - Hamburg
The mint mark of this coin can be found just below the Potsdam Kirche.
Mint mark 'E' at the bottom of the Potsdam Kirche near the rim

Close up view of the mint mark 'E'

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