Expert: Ronald Fern - 5/31/2010

Question
I have a 1937 10 Reichspfeninig coin small wear dull brass no corrosian made in 'A' or Berlin all markins cleary visable (including the wreath holding the swastika and you are able to count all the feathers of the eagle ,all 14 of them.) I also own a 1939 5 Reichspfennig coin made in 'A' or Berlin also NO CORRISION ALL MARKINGS ARE COMPLETELY VISIBLE INCLUDING ALL 14 FEATHERS ON THE WINGS  ON THE CHEST LEGS HEAD AND TALONS lightly circulated looks almost brand new. How much are these worth? P.S. I know someone who has a 1938 50 Reichspfennig literlally brand new not made of silver but has that look no corrision all markings visable. Amount worth? In $ please.

Answer
Hi Gore:

Thanks for asking me to answer your question.

I'm not strong on world coins, but looked on the web and found the following information:

Your German (3rd. Reich) 1937A (Berlin) 10 Reichspfennig coin had 36.8 million struck in Aluminum-Bronze. It is identified as Krause-Mishler catalog number KM-92. It has an approximate retail catalog value of $2.00 in extra fine condition and $7.50 in uncirculated condition.

The 1939A 5 Reichspfennig coin had 35.3 million struck, also in Aluminum-Bronze. It is identified as Krause-Mishler catalog number KM-91. It has an approximate retail catalog value of $1.50 in extra fine condition and $7.00 in uncirculated condition.

The 1938 50 Reichspfennig coin is struck in Nickel. It is identified as Krause-Mishler catalog number KM-95. You do not identify the mint mark. They were struck with an A,B,D,E,F,G or J mint mark in quantities of less than a half a million to just over 5 million coins for each mint. The retail value ranges from $40.00 to $110.00 in extra fine condition and $60.00 to $175.00 for an uncirculated coin.

You may want to check eBay listings under world coins in the German category to see if your coins are listed and what they are going for. There are a number of coins like yours currently listed in active auctions starting at under a $1 and going up to over $80 in both circulated and uncirculated condition for various dates, mint marks, denominations, and quantities.

Here's one link for you to view: http://stores.ebay.com/german-third-reich-coins

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Remember, if you choose to sell your coins to a dealer, they will likely offer around 50% to 60% of retail for the coins they are interested in. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

View this website for added information on your coins: http://www.coinquest.com/cgi-bin/cq/coins?main_action=germany

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.