Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 1/20/2010

Question
Hi,
I have a 1904 five punf mark from germany.  I read where it can be worth 10.00 to 75.00 dependind on condition.  How does one decide what type of condition the coin is in? The coin is dark in color but all lettering is in great raised ondition as is the seal on the back.  There appears to be an "A" on the front under bust.  Is the color of importance or is it the wear?

Answer
Hi Mary,
The color is somewhat important. The fact that it's dark at least tells me the coin is toned, which is a positive thing for the majority of collectors. A coin that is shiny may be original or cleaned, being cleaned destroys the collectible value. A dark coin is most likely all original. Silver that is over 100 years old is supposed to form a dark patina, so clean looking coins are usually looked at with suspicion.
A relative way to look at condition is by seeing what percentage of the surface has visible wear. For example A mid-grade coin may have wear on 25% of surfaces, which would usually show as areas along the higher points, like the hair, nose, beard, and eagle's chest and crown. A high grade coin will have wear on 5% or less of the surfaces, which would look like small flattened spots on just the few very highest points. When you have wear on the lower points as well, such as the lettering and cheek of the portrait, that is dipping down into the low grades.
It is very difficult to get an eye for it based on a written description.
If you can take a clear picture of the portrait side and attach it in a follow-up question, or direct me to a coin on the internet that is in the same condition as yours, I can give you an exact grade and value.
Thanks for the question! =)