5 DM Silver Coins / Commemorative Coins
| Material | Silver alloy with 62.5% silver and 37.5% copper |
| Dimensions | 29 mm diameter |
| Weight: | 11.2 grams |
| Fine silver content | 7 grams |
| Period | 1953 to 1979 |
| Price range | 100-500 € (1953-1957) Coins from 1966-1979 – approximate silver price Coins from 1980-1986 – face value |
Do you want to sell your silver commemorative coin collection?
Get an unbiased valuation of your collectible and sell it at the best price. Stade Auktionen will guide you to the auction professionally and respectfully.
Witnesses of history: The 5 DM silver commemorative coins
The 5 D-Mark commemorative coins of the Federal Republic of Germany are important collector’s items and bear important historical testimony. A total of 43 different commemorative coins were minted between 1953 and 1986. The coins from 1953 to 1979 are made of a silver-copper alloy and the coins from 1980 to 1986 are made of a copper-nickel alloy.
Various commemorative coins have been issued over the years:
- First coin (1953):The first coin in this series was issued in 1953 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg. The total mintage of these coins was originally 200,000, and 1240 coins were minted in the high-quality “mirror finish” version – these coins are particularly sought-after today. This exclusive issue was sold to dealers and collectors who were prepared to pay a higher price for the luxury version, but due to the economic situation at the time after the Second World War and the resulting low demand, not all coins could be sold. For this reason, many of these coins were melted down again in both versions.
- Second coin (1955): In May 1955, the second coin in this series was issued on the 150th anniversary of Friedrich Schiller’s death and became much more popular, so that the entire mintage of 200,000 pieces was sold.
- Third coin (1955): The next issue followed in November 1955 to commemorate the 300th birthday of Ludwig Wilhelm Margrave of Baden.
- Fourth coin (1957): Two years later, the fourth coin was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff.
No further 5 DM commemorative coins were issued in the following years.
- 150th anniversary of the death of Johann Gottlieb Fichte (1966): the tradition was not revived until March 1966, when a commemorative coin was issued to mark the 150th anniversary of Johann Gottlieb Fichte’s death, with an increased circulation of 500,000 pieces due to the growing number of collectors.
Over the years, interest in coins of all subsequent issues grew steadily, leading to higher prices for the first coins. The issue for the 150th anniversary of the founding of the German Archaeological Institute (1979) marked the end of the silver coinage.
Between 1980 and 1986, a further 15 issues made of a copper-nickel alloy (Magnimat 3-layer material) were issued before production of the 5 DM commemorative coins was completely discontinued.
Today, the 5 DM commemorative coins are not only an interesting collector’s item, but also a reflection of German post-war history.
Value factors of the 5 DM commemorative coins
Origin
The coins were minted in various mints in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Age
Older issues, especially the early coins in the series, are often more valuable. The first issue from 1953 is particularly sought-after, as many of these coins were melted down.
Material
The silver alloy with a fineness of 62.5% makes these coins particularly durable and robust. The silver content plays a decisive role in determining the value of coins from 1966 onwards.
Condition
The state of preservation is critical for the value of a coin. Coins with a “mirror finish” or in pristine condition are particularly valuable. Signs of use, scratches or other defects reduce the value considerably.
Rarity
The rarity of a coin is an important value factor. Coins that were minted in small numbers or where many examples have been lost fetch higher prices. This is particularly true of the coin for the Germanisches Nationalmuseum.
Characteristics
As with many coveted collector’s items, the 5 DM commemorative coins are also at risk of being counterfeited. Original coins can often be verified by experts or with special testing equipment. Collectors should therefore be particularly careful and only buy from reputable dealers.
Images of the valuable 5 DM silver commemorative coins
How to sell your coins with Stade Auktionen
Contact us
Contact us by phone, e-mail or via the contact form for personal consultation.
Let us take care of your request
Whether you wish to entrust us with an extensive legacy, your entire collection or parts of it – we will appraise everything with utmost respect.
Your treasures in the best hands
We will make sure that your treasures get into the right hands as quickly as possible.
Our satisfied customers
Our network of partners and collectors from all over the world
Frequently asked questions
Find out everything you need to know about selling your coins.
Coins made of precious metals are particularly popular, as are rare pre-1950 issues from all countries. They retain their original embossing despite defects and signs of use, which makes them unique historical pieces. Stade Auktionen accepts both gold and silver coins.
Individual items usually fetch a higher price. Nevertheless, we should consider together with you when it makes sense to sell individual items and when it makes sense to sell an entire collection. The valuation of a coin collection depends on factors such as age, origin, rarity, condition and material.
The following conditions apply for consignments:
- The consignor may only consign postcards, stamps and other documents over which he has sole control.
- Consignments can be made at any time and will be included in the next auction.
- The starting prices are generally determined by the auction house. They are based on the current market situation.
- The auctioneer is entitled to accept underbids up to a maximum of 20% of the starting price.
- If the consignor withdraws the goods for reasons for which the consignor is responsible, an expense allowance of EUR 100 per hour shall be payable for the inspection and valuation of the items to be auctioned, but at least EUR 100 per order.
- The sales commission for the auctioneer is 22% of the hammer price. If the hammer price is up to 500 euros, the sales commission is 30% and the insurance costs are 1% of the hammer price. The statutory value added tax is levied on this. Postage costs for any returns shall be borne by the consignor. We charge a fee of 2.50 euros per lot for processing large lots and 1 euro for individual lots.
- The auctioneer cannot accept any liability for auctioned goods. He therefore takes out special auction insurance for the account of the customer, which insures the auctioned goods against all risks within the scope of this contract. The sum insured is 1% of the hammer price.
- If the consignor withdraws the goods for reasons for which he is responsible after the auctioneer has already advertised the goods in the catalog or on the Internet, the goods shall be deemed prepared for the auction and the auctioneer shall settle the order with a further expense allowance. This includes the lost commission of 20% of the starting price of the lot. In addition, the processing fee of EUR 25 per lot, up to a maximum of EUR 300, must be reimbursed. Fees for inspections that are necessary, at the auctioneer’s discretion, will be invoiced separately after consultation.
- Billing takes place 6-8 weeks after the auction.
- Advances are possible for good consignments.
- The place of jurisdiction for all parties involved is Lörrach.
We offer you various options for selling your coins with us, depending on the type of coins and your requirements. For advice on direct sales, commission sales or consignments for auction, please contact our experts on +49 7624 – 98 95 870 or at e-mail at einlieferung@stade-auktionen.de. In most cases, we can give you a clear assessment after you have sent us pictures. However, you also have the following options for sending the coins:
- by visiting our premises
- by shipping at your own risk
- by letting us manage the collection of your valuables for transport, 100% insured (costs from €40.00 to max. €80.00 depending on the value).
The following costs apply depending on the value of the goods:
- Value of goods up to €10,000.00: €40
- Value of goods up to €15,000.00: €50
- Value of goods up to €20,000.00: €65
- Value of goods up to €25,000.00: €80
- Value of goods over €25,000.00: please give us a phone call
The surcharge for scheduled shipment within a time window of 4 hours (between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.) is €6.00.
The surcharge for scheduled shipment within a time window of 2 hours (between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.) is €10.00.
The bank transfer will be made as soon as possible after receipt of the goods.
The value and hence the selling price of old coins depends on factors such as age, origin, rarity, condition and material. Rare coins made of precious metals can fetch high prices when sold. You can find current gold prices in our gold price table.
To determine the value of coins, it is important to consult a specialist such as Stade Auktionen. Specialist knowledge is required to correctly assess the value based on factors such as age, origin, rarity, condition and material.
Sell your coins with Stade Auktionen
Do you want to sell a collection but don’t know how much your coins are worth or how to sell them? Send us a message and we will take care of your request as soon as possible.