A Germany 5 Mark contains 0.8037 troy oz of pure silver, worth $43.44 at today's spot price.
Silver 5 mark coins were issued by the separate German states under the German Empire's shared currency, from 1874 until World War I. Each state put its ruler on one side, and the free cities used their coat of arms.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Silver $54.05 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 23, 9:09 PM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Years | 1873–1919 |
|---|---|
| Face value | 5 Mark |
| Composition | 90% silver |
| Gross weight | 27.777 g |
| Fineness | .900 (90%) |
| Pure metal | 0.8037 troy oz (24.999 g) |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure silver in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
27.777 g × .900 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.8037 troy oz
0.8037 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $43.44
How to identify it
- One side shows the issuing state's ruler or, for Hamburg, Bremen and Lübeck, the city arms. The other shows the crowned imperial eagle with DEUTSCHES REICH, the date and FÜNF MARK.
- The mint letter sits below the portrait: A Berlin, D Munich, E Dresden then Muldenhütten, F Stuttgart, G Karlsruhe, J Hamburg. B (Hanover), C (Frankfurt) and H (Darmstadt) were used only in the early years.
- Coins up to 1889 have a small eagle with a large shield on its breast; from 1891 the eagle is larger with a small shield.
- The 5 Reichsmark coins of the 1920s and 1930s say REICHSMARK and contain less silver.
Melt value vs. collector value
Common Prussian dates in worn condition trade close to melt. Coins from the smaller states, one-year commemoratives and sharp examples of any state usually sell for more, sometimes much more.