Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1891-1908
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Diameter: 38 mm
Weight: 27.777 grams (0.8037 oz of silver)
Total Mintage: 17,725,015
Mint: Berlin (A)
German State: Prussia
Design
The 5 Mark is a large silver German coin measuring 38mm in diameter with a composition of 90% silver classifying it as a fine example of a world crown size silver coin.
The obverse design features the Crowned Imperial Eagle with a shield on its breast. On the outer periphery are the words “DEUTSCHES REICH” or GERMAN REICH, the year of issue, and the denomination FÜNF (5) MARK.
The reverse design features a bust design of Emperor Wilhelm II facing right. On the outer periphery are the words “WILHELM II DEUTSCHER KAISER KONIG V. PREUSSEN” or Wilhelm II German Emperor King of Prussia. Below the bust design is the mint mark “A”.
The coin edge features an ornamental design and the words “GOTT MIT UNS” or God with Us.
| Obverse | Reverse |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Coin Edge |
|---|
 |
General Market Notes
The key to the series is the 1896 issue with a mintage of 46,000. The semi-keys to the series are the 1893 & 1906 issues.
For a potential sleeper, look at the 1891 issue with a small mintage of 130,000 and the added fact that it is the first year of issue for the series. Another potential sleeper is the 1893 issue with a mintage of 215,000.