German Empire 3 Mark Silver Coin 1913
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion) · Not Applicable (Silver alloy, silvery-white metallic tone)
Purity: Not Applicable (Silver 900 fineness, 90.0% pure silver, 10.0% copper)
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion)
Purity
Not Applicable (Silver 900 fineness, 90.0% pure silver, 10.0% copper)
Gold Type
Not Applicable (Silver alloy, silvery-white metallic tone)
Weight
16.67 grams (0.5358 troy ounces total weight, containing 15.0 grams of pure silver)
Description
An authentic 3 Mark silver circulating coin from the German Empire dated 1913. The obverse or reverse displays the iconic crowned imperial eagle of the Deutsches Reich with the denomination 'DREI MARK' below, encapsulating the robust economy and numismatic artistry of Imperial Germany at its historical peak just before the First World War.
Key Features
Distinctive Imperial German eagle heraldry, crisp lettering reading 'DEUTSCHES REICH 1913', high silver alloy content (900 fineness), and historical significance from the final peaceful year of the German Empire
Color & Finish
Silvery-white metallic luster with light circulation wear and minor toning indicative of a historic silver coin
Hallmarks & Stamps
Inscribed with 'DEUTSCHES REICH 1913' and 'DREI MARK', featuring the imperial German eagle coat of arms and mint marks depending on the specific issuing mint
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter of approximately 33 mm and thickness of roughly 2.5 mm, standard specification for German Empire 3 Mark circulating coins
Gemstones & Inlays
None present; standard metallic coin issue with fine denticulated edge and relief engravings
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; standard round coin with a reeded or inscribed edge depending on the specific commemorative or circulation type
Chain & Links
Not applicable; struck coin without suspension mount or link attachments
Craftsmanship Details
High-pressure mechanical coining press strike featuring deep relief, sharp lettering, milled edge protection against clipping, and precise alloy composition regulated by the imperial monetary laws of the German Empire
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter-to-weight ratio for 3 Mark silver issues, sharp strike details on the imperial eagle feathers and lettering, appropriate silver oxidation and patina for its age
Origin & Maker
Issued by the German Empire (Deutsches Reich), struck across various imperial mints such as Berlin (A), Munich (D), or Stuttgart (F)
Era & Period
German Empire / Wilhelmine Period (1871-1918), specifically late Imperial era prior to the outbreak of World War I
Age Estimate
Produced in 1913, exactly one year prior to the commencement of World War I
Cultural Significance
Represents the currency of Imperial Germany during a time of immense industrial, military, and cultural power, serving as a tangible artifact of the pre-WWI European order
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine condition with visible design details, minor surface wear from circulation consistent with a coin over a century old, no major edge knocks or heavy gouges
Value Estimate
Valued primarily on its silver melt value plus a modest numismatic collector premium, typically ranging from $20 to $50 USD depending heavily on the exact grade, mint mark, and collector demand
Care & Maintenance
Store in a non-PVC coin flip or capsule to prevent further toning and environmental damage; never clean, polish, or use abrasive agents as this severely diminishes numismatic value
Similar Items
German Empire 2 Mark silver coins, Prussian Thalers, Weimar Republic silver Reichsmark coins, and contemporary European silver crown-sized coins of the early 20th century
Interesting Facts
The year 1913 marked the 25th jubilee of Kaiser Wilhelm II's reign, prompting special commemorative 3 Mark and 5 Mark silver coins featuring historical figures and regional rulers, though the standard issue featured the imperial eagle