Hesse 1888-A 5 mark

Sincona sale 9, lot 3941

The first specimen was lot 3941 in Sincona sale 9 (Zürich, October 2012), where it sold for 1200 CHF (about US$1,518 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"DEUTSCHLAND Hessen, Grossherzogtum Münzstätte Berlin Ludwig IV. 1877-1892. 5 Mark 1888. Kr. Sehr schön. (Grand duchy of Hesse, Louis IV, 1877-92, five mark of 1888, Berlin mint, very fine.)"

This five mark piece was issued from the Berlin mint for the grand duke in 1888 only. It was accompanied by a silver two mark (KM 359) and ten mark (KM 361). Another five mark, with a modified reverse, was issued in 1891 (see Dav-710). This type is rare.

Recorded mintage: 8,940 plus 400 proofs.

Specification: 27.77 g, 0.900 fine silver, 38 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: J. 69. KM 360, Dav-709.

Source:

• Craig, William D., Germanic Coinages: Charlemagne through Wilhelm II, Mountain View, CA: 1954.
• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Jaeger, Kurt, Die Deutschen Münzen seit 1871, Basel: Münzen und Medaillen AG, 1982.
• Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
• ^[1]Numismatic Coins, Medals, Banknotes & Books: Auction 9, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2012.

Link to:

• 1876 5 mark
• Hesse 1877-H 5 mark Fr-3792 gold
• 1888 2 mark
• Baden 1888-G 5 mark
• Bavaria 1888-D 5 mark
• Hamburg 1888-J 5 mark
• Wurttemberg 1888-F 5 mark
• 1888 10 mark
• 1891 5 mark
• Coins and currency dated 1888
• return to coins of German States, Hesse-Darmstadt