East Germany 1988-A 20 mark
This specimen was lot 1645 in Jean Elsen sale 163 (Brussels, November 2025), where it sold for €130 (about US$150 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ALLEMAGNE, République démocratique, (1949-1990), AR 20 Mark, 1988 A. 100e anniversaire de la mort de Carl Zeiss. (Democratic Republic of Germany, 1949-90, silver twenty mark of 1988, centennial of the death of Carl Zeiss. Uncirculated.)"
This standard was used for several commemoratives issues 1966-90. A number of copper-nickel types were also issued for circulation. Wikipedia comments, "Carl Zeiss (1816-88) was a German scientific instrument maker, optician and businessman. In 1846 he founded his workshop, which is still in business as Zeiss."
Recorded mintage: 37,000 plus 3,500 proofs.
Specification: 20.9 g, 0.625 fine silver, 33 mm diameter, lettered edge.
Catalog reference: KM 124, J. 1621.
- Jaeger, Kurt, Die Deutschen Münzen seit 1871, Basel: Münzen und Medaillen AG, 1982.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 163, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
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