Germany Bavaria 2 and 5 Mark 1874 to 1883

Look at the two mark coin in our photo, Kelly. Isn't is a gorgeous specimen? It is these kind of coins that get collector juices flowing!

The 5 mark version looks essentially identical, only bigger and bearing FUNF MARK instead of ZWEI MARK. There is also a gold 5 mark piece with Ludwig II. This page applies only to silver coins.

NEVER CLEAN YOUR COINS. CLEANING RUINS VALUE.

If your two mark specimen looks like this one, it is a valuable piece worth $100s of US dollars. The coin in the picture comes from Pater Coins and Medals in Ense, Germany, where it is on sale for 395 euros (about $600 US dollars). Your coin is approximately equivalent in value.

The 395 euro figure is a retail price. If you were to sell your coin to Pater or any other reputable dealer, he or she would pay wholesale price, a good deal lower, probably $400 or so. The difference between retail and wholesale is the dealer's mark up, which allows them to stay in business.

Five mark pieces were minted between 1874 and 1876. They are somewhat more valuable than the 2 mark coins. Here is a run-down of approximate catalog value:

ZWEI (2) MARK, 28 mm diameter, 0.322 troy ounces silver
worn: $35 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $70
well preserved: $225
fully uncirculated: $600
the 1880 and 1883 dates are worth about twice these values when worn or average circulated
the 1880 date catalogs at $600 in well preserved and $1200 in fully uncirculated condition
for well preserved 1883 coins, add a $100 premium to the common date value - add $200 if fully uncirculated.

FUNF (5) MARK, 38 mm diameter, 0.804 troy ounces silver
worn: $40 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $80
well preserved: $300
fully uncirculated: $800

Be sure to use our Important Terminology page to understand the difference between catalog values (shown above) and actual buy and sell values.

For a side by side comparison of a cleaned and uncleaned coin, look at this CoinQuest link.

CoinQuest thanks Pater Menzun + Medallien for granting their copyright release to us. Thanks for a great juices flowing coin photo!
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