looking for some insight into the grade/value of this 5 pfennig coin. It is by far the rarest mint mark of the type so it comes down to condition. It's quite dirty but not terribly worn. Any input would be appreciated!
I would grade your coin at about F12 (in Germany we would call it s+ or maybe ss-). From what I have seen in acsearch (data bank of auction prices realized), an 1875 H in similar condition to yours brought 25$. In BU condition approx. 500$. As you say, it comes down to condition.
Are there any web sites or books that lists the standardized descriptions for grading German coins 1873-1945? I am familiar with the S and SS along with the +/-, but haven't seen a written or pictorial description. I just try to use my best estimate based on US standards.
catalog KM#3 Germany-Empire, 1875 (H) 5 pfennig, metal- copper-nickel, mintage-703,000. grade/value F-$20.00 VF-$45.00 XF-$75.00 UNC-$175.00 from my 2004 Krause catalog of which the prices are out dated so the values are probably higher. not sure what your coins grade is ? F-VF ?
I gave it a bath in some acetone for about a minute. Really helped. Posted photos in the world coin forum. Do you think that enhances the grade?
German Imperial coinage is generally graded by the detail on the eagle, specifically the cross-hatching on the breast of the small eagle (within the larger eagle). If the cross hatching is not visible, the concensus is the coin is in 's' condition (Fine).
The Krause Standard Catalog of German Coins 3rd Edition (2011) also lists this for $20 in Fine. BTW: My 1875-H is only the equivalent to VG.
