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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1914A 3 Reichmark (Prussia -Wilhelm II)

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Expert: - 2/25/2010


Question

Edge
This is a really nice coin. I'm classifying as XF, but I think it's closer to AU. There is one flaw in the tail edge. A ding between the E & I in "DREI". This does not look like circulation damage. I think the edge stamp was off location. Does this depreciate the value? Thank you.

Germany 3 Mark 1914, Bust in Uniform
Prussia, Wilhelm II.
Silver, Weight 16.667 g, Fine weight 15.0 g
Diameter 33 mm

Answer
Hi Donn,
This certainly appears to be an Au coin, considering the presence of luster. The toning and surface also appears to be original, which is a big plus.
A quick note: At that time the denomination was regular marks. The Reichsmark does not come into existence until the Weimar republic period in German history, following World War I. They were replaced by the Deutsch mark right around 1950.
In this case, the ding would not have a significant effect on the value. The depreciation really depends on the value of the coin. In this case it may take $3 to $5 off the value, as opposed to a really valuable coin where that number may be 10 or more times higher.
Based on the picture, it does appear to be circulation damage (from being dropped with enough force to dent the metal). The process by which coins get "bag marks" would not generally allow for that much force to strike a coin.
Thanks for the question! =)

Dmitry Livshits

Expertise

My specialty is world coins from the 18th to 20th centuries, primarily non-US foreign coins and related areas such as errors and exonumia (tokens, medals, etc.). I can answer questions relating to identification, grading, selling, preservation and evaluation of such items. In addition to catalog value, I can give you the practical market value and trends for specific types of coins. I will also take questions regarding counterfeits (both modern and antique) and on how to identify them. I am NOT knowledgeable in paper money/banknotes, ancient or "shipwreck" coins. Thank you.

Experience

Collector of world coins since early childhood. Access to a variety of auction records and reference material. You can also find me on Facebook.

Education/Credentials
A.S. in Psychology (2006), B.A. in Forensic Psychology (2008), M.A. in Forensic Psychology (2011).

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