Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 9/5/2009

Question
have a 1876  albert koneig von sachsen ,20 mark gold coin. tested around 18k with gold tester .very good condition. any idea of a  estimate of value ,if i sold it .any information,history ect, on this coin?  thanks rb

Answer
Hi Ron,
This 20 mark gold comes from the large German state of Saxony (prior to the unification of the German Empire). Your coin is actually 22kt gold (.900 purity, .2304 oz a.g.w.). The reason that many old gold coins test as lower than the actual purity is because surface dirt, or even the prolonged exposure to the air, causes the outermost metal to debase just slightly.
As far as value, it's one of the more common dates, with 482,000 minted. For a pretty well circulated example (Fine or so) you can expect about 20%-25% above bullion value. For each successive grade (Very fine, extra fine) you can add about another $50-$60. An uncirculated coin starts at $500 and can be as high as $750+ for a really nice professionally graded piece.
Either way, unless your coin is heavily worn, damaged or harshly cleaned... it's worth more than melt value.
Thanks for the question! =)