2016-06-13 Mon

The June 22 Spink auction is set in New York City and one of the star coins to be sold at the event is the finest known example of a Mint State 69 1960-J silver 5-mark coin from West Germany at an estimate value of $15,000 to $18,000.

Though the coin’s design is not spectacular and the obverse features a common depiction of The Republic eagle, it represents the German Economic Miracle that the country witnessed post World War II.

In 1960, over 250 million such coins were struck at five German mints, but only 1 million were from the Hamburg Mint. Unlike any other example of this coin this coin is graded supremely with MS-69 by Professional Coin Grading Service.

Officials have stated that the only problem with the coin is a small spot which is visible through a magnifying glass.

The handmade coin was produced using fresh dies as it was probably going to be presented to a special visitor like the mayor. The coin was preserved well after the strike which is why it is graded so highly.