Potsdam Garrison Church 5 Reichsmark
Country of Origin: Germany (Third Reich)
Year of Issue: 1935
Denomination: 5 Reichsmark
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper (.4019 oz ASW)
Brief Description
A silver coin featuring a large imperial eagle on the obverse and the Potsdam Garrison Church on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Issued during the Third Reich period to commemorate the first anniversary of the opening of the Reichstag in the Garrison Church, an event used by the Nazi party to link their movement with Prussian tradition. This specific 'Swastika' variety was minted following the Hindenburg/Church issues.
Estimated Value
$15-$25 in circulated condition, $40-$80 in Mint State (MS-63+)
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish, as this removes original surface patina and destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or coin capsule to prevent environmental damage and further toning.
Mint Mark
A (Visible at the base of the church on the reverse, indicating the Berlin Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Total mintage of roughly 4.6 million for the 1935-A variety; common in terms of availability but high collector demand for the period.
Weight & Diameter
13.88 grams / 29.0 mm
Edge
Lettered edge featuring the inscription 'GEMEINNUTZ VOR EIGENNUTZ' (Common Good Before Self-Interest)
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine (XF) to About Uncirculated (AU). Shows light surface wear but retains crisp details and some original luster visible under the toning.
Obverse (Front)
Stylized Imperial Eagle facing left with wings spread. Legends 'Deutsches Reich' and '5 Reichsmark' in Gothic script. Small swastikas flank the date '1935'.
Reverse (Back)
Depiction of the Potsdam Garrison Church (Garnisonkirche). The mint mark 'A' is located at the bottom center.
What Drives This Coin's Value
The primary value factors are the mint mark (some mints like G or J are rarer), the presence of the swastika (which makes it more collectible to history enthusiasts), and the level of original luster.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the 2 Reichsmark version of the same design (which is smaller and lighter) or the 1934 version which lacks the swastikas on the obverse.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check weight (13.88g) and diameter (29mm) accurately. Look for the incuse (recessed) lettering on the edge; counterfeit versions often have reeded or plain edges or poorly struck letters. Verify the 'ping' test for silver resonance.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major die varieties for 1935-A, though different mint marks (A, D, E, F, G, J) serve as the main collection targets.
Created At: 2026-05-05T18:42:44.242484