Expert: Brad Swain - 3/28/2010

Question
I just purchased an 1874 Deutsches Reich Mark from Ebay.  It appears to be in very good condition with all details intact, some wear on the raised and flat surfaces and would give it a rating (from what little i know about coin rating) a VF 30 or higher.  Can you tell me the approximate value and is it's silver value more (it's  90% I believe?) greater than it's value as an old coin?  Anything you can tell me would be greatly appreciated!!k  J

Answer
Hi James, What is the mintmark letter below the eagle on this German 1 Mark coin? The most common is an A for Berlin where there were 6.3 million minted that year. Collector value may be worth about $3 with heavy wear to around $6 with moderate wear to maybe $40 with light wear.
It is 90% silver and contains .1606 of an ounce of silver.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad