Expert: Brad Swain - 1/24/2010

Question
Dear sirs:
    I inherited from the safety deposit box of an elderly relative a gold appearing coin marked as follows:  Ludwig II Koenig V. Bayern, head facing to the right, small "D" beneath the head, and on the other side, Deutsches Reich 1887, 10 Mark, with eagle/shield.  It looks completely uncirculated, and is fixed inside a gold holding device with small tabs which hold it in place, as if it were worn as jewelry,perhaps.  It is attached to a small chain, perhaps used as a watch fob?  I had a relative who lived in Germany around this time period, but I know Ludwig II died in 1886 so is this a private memorial issue?  Worth anything?
Marilee

Answer
Hi Marilee, this seems to be an 1887 German 10 Mark from the Kingdom of Bavaria features King Ludwig II (1868-86). The problem with that is that King Ludwig II died in 1886 and King Otto I reign began in 1887 and no official Bavarian 10 Mark coins were issued between 1881 and 1888. This may indeed be a privately made piece for use as a medallion or jewelry. The genuine 10 Mark coins should weigh 3.982 grams and would contain .1152 of an ounce of gold. I recommend weighing it if possible.
Current gold and silver values: http://www.kitco.com/market/ .
Another fellow with the same type piece had the same question a year or two ago so there are more than just a couple of these out there.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Coin-Collecting-2297/2009/4/ludwig-11-gold-5-1.htm
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
If a coin has been damaged by becoming part of the jewelry or cannot be separated from the jewelry without damage then its value lies in the piece of jewelry and not as a coin.
Brad