Nickel 1 Reichsmark (Third Reich)
Country of Origin: Germany (Third Reich)
Year of Issue: 1935
Denomination: 1 Reichsmark
Composition: Nickel (.999)
Brief Description
A silver-colored nickel coin featuring a Weimar-style eagle and high-rimmed edges with Fraktur-style lettering.
Historical Significance
Issued during the transition of the Third Reich, this design reflects the early Nazi era where traditional Weimar eagle symbolism was still in use before being replaced by the eagle with the swastika. 'Gemeinnutz vor Eigennutz' translates to 'Public interest before self-interest', a key political slogan of the era.
Estimated Value
$5-$15 circulated, $25-$55 in Mint State (MS-63+)
Care Instructions
Store in PVC-free holders. Avoid skin contact as finger oils can cause 'milk spots' on nickel. Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value.
Mint Mark
A (Berlin Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Mintage for 1935-A was approximately 21,790,000. It is a common date for the series.
Weight & Diameter
5.0g / 23.0mm
Edge
Ornamented (Patterns of oak leaves and acorns)
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine (XF) / About Uncirculated (AU) - some light cabinet friction and surface marks are visible, but the eagle's plumage and oak leaf veins are sharp.
Obverse (Front)
An imperial-style eagle with wings spread, looking left. Surrounded by the motto 'Gemeinnutz vor Eigennutz' and oak leaves at the bottom with the mint mark 'A'.
Reverse (Back)
Large numeral '1' in the center above 'Reichsmark'. Inscription 'Deutsches Reich' at the top and the date '1935' at the bottom, framed by an oak leaf wreath.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Mint mark rarity, metal luster, and presence of bag marks or localized wear on high points like the eagle's breast.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the smaller 50 Reichspfennig or the later silver 2 and 5 Reichsmark denominations. Distinguished by the specific '1' denomination and nickel composition.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Authentic coins are strongly magnetic due to the high nickel content. Check for the specific Fraktur font style and ensure the edge ornamentation is deeply struck.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major die varieties for 1935-A, though different mint marks (D, E, F, G, J) have varying rarity.
Created At: 2026-05-05T18:43:43.951408