Obverse

Reverse

1 Deutsche Mark

Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) · 1959

A German silver one-mark coin featuring the Federal Eagle on the obverse and the denomination flanked by oak leaves on the reverse.

Country: Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany)
Year: 1959
Denomination: 1 Deutsche Mark
Metal: 625 silver, 375 copper (0.625 silver, weight of silver content is 3.4556 grams)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified September 14, 2026More federal republic of germany (west germany) coins →

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Overview

A German silver one-mark coin featuring the Federal Eagle on the obverse and the denomination flanked by oak leaves on the reverse.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1950 during the reconstruction of West Germany following World War II, the Deutsche Mark became a symbol of economic stability and the 'Wirtschaftswunder' (economic miracle). Silver 1 Mark coins were minted until 1974 before transitioning to cupronickel.

Obverse (front)

Features the German Federal Eagle (Bundesadler) surrounded by the legend 'BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND' and the mint mark 'F' at the bottom center.

Reverse (back)

Features a large numeral '1' flanked by two stylized oak leaf twigs, with the inscription 'DEUTSCHE MARK' below and the year '1959' at the bottom.

Estimated value

$2 to $6 in circulated condition; up to $15-$30 in uncirculated mint state.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, silver melt value, and specific mint mark rarities (though F is common for this year).

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (XF-AU) with minor surface wear and faint toning.

Mintage & rarity

Common; mintage for the 1959-F Deutsche Mark is widely available.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight (5.5g), diameter (23.5mm), and composition. Silver issues should not be attracted to a magnet.

Notable varieties & errors

No major high-value errors or varieties are widely recognized for the 1959-F issue beyond standard mint errors like off-center strikes.

Similar coins

Later clad (cupronickel) 1 Deutsche Mark coins minted from 1975 to 2001, which lack silver content and are magnetic.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place inside a PVC-free coin flip or capsule. Do not clean or polish the coin, as this ruins its numismatic value and originality.