Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Hitler Gold Coin

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Expert: - 4/8/2010


Question

Reverse of Coin
Hi,
I just obtained a gold coin with Hitler's face with a swastika on one side and "Adolf Hitler" written on the other side of his head. The reverse side features what I think is the Brandenburg gate with the year 1933 written across the top.  20 RM is written across the bottom.  On the bottom left hand corner is written what I believe to be either PRODC or PRODE. It is either gold or gold plated.
If possible could you give me some information on this coin; Authenticity? Value? History?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Sebastian,
This certainly appears to be a genuine piece, and should weigh 6.41 grams. These are indeed solid gold, though the exact purity is unknown and may vary slightly from coin to coin. I would not suggest an acid test for the exact purity, as this would hurt the collectible value of the coin.
What you have is an interesting historical item. The word "PRODE" is actually an error, it is a misspelling for the word meaning "Pattern" or a coin that was made as an example rather than for actual use.
Many authorities believe these coins were actually made in Buenos Aires, Argentina to be sold to German visitors. These coins were not made by the official German mints.
The most recent American catalog that lists this piece puts a value of $600, which is well beyond the value of the gold. I suspect, however, that the value is significantly higher on the German market. These are scarce pieces.
If you did plan on selling it, you would need to have it professionally graded and certified. I would recommend NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). This would increase the value by a lot more than the cost of the service.
Thanks for the question! =)
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you for the response. You gave me all the information I needed and more.


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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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