Brief German History Please see our main Germany page, for brief historical notes, and other possible gold coins of Germany.
The most prolific state for issuing coins was Prussia, as the largest, wealthiest and most influential, so that the most commonly encountered German gold coins are the 20 mark pieces of Prussia. These were issued from 1871 to 1915.
Wilhelm I was the first King-Emperor, ruling from 1871 - 1888. In 1888, Frederick succeeded his father, but was already suffering from terminal cancer at the time of his accession, and died a few months later, to be succeeded by his own son, Wilhelm II. Known as Dreikaiserjahes ('Year of the Three Emperors) 1888 saw coins issued for all the Emperors of the Second German Reich. Although coins of all three rulers of that year are not particularly scarce, that of Frederick is a one year type and is in higher demand than that of a typical common date issue of those of his father and his son.
In 1913, the short-lived (until 1915 inclusive) uniformed bust of Kaiser Wilhelm II was introduced, perhaps as a belated effort to demonstrate the Kaiser's seniority over other German monarchs for being the Kaiser (Emperor) of Germany, as well as the King of Prussia. The 1915 issue was never released for circulation due to the first world war, and like the 1917 London Mint sovereign, which was also largely melted down for bullion, is therefore very scarce.

Technical Specifications

Denomination	Diameter	Weight	Fineness	Gold Content
20 Marks	22.5	7.9650	.900	.2304
10 Marks	19.5	3.9820	.900	.1152
5 Marks	16	1.9910	.900	.0576

Description of 20 Marks
Krause Number 521
Type (Bare Head) issued from 1890 to 1913 inclusive.
Obverse
Bare head of King Wilhelm II facing right.
WILLHELM II DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V PREUSSEN
Reverse
Crowned arms of Germany, a spread eagle.
DEUTSCHES REICH (Date)
20 MARK
Edge
The edge has incuse cinquefoils and leaves with the incuse lettering:-
GOTT MIT UNS

Our Choice 20 Mark - Bullion

Our Choice 20 Mark - Selected

Prussian Gold Coins
Prices & Availability
Please contact us prior to ordering for current prices and availability.

Date	Denomination	Denomination	Grade	Mintage	Availability	Price £	Price $
1872 A	20 Marks	KM 501. Head of Wilhelm I	good VF	7,717,000	Ask	£250	$400
1883 A	20 Marks	KM 505. Head of Wilhelm I	good VF	4,283,000	Ask	£250	$400
1888 A	20 Marks	KM 505. Head of Wilhelm I	almost EF	5,364,000	Ask	£270	$430
1888 A	20 Marks	KM 515. Head of Friedrich III	good VF	5,364,000	Ask	£250	$430
1894 A	20 Marks	KM 521. Head of Wilhelm II	good VF		Yes	£250	$400
1895 A	20 Marks	KM 521. Head of Wilhelm II	good VF		Yes	£250	$400
1897 A	20 Marks	KM 521. Head of Wilhelm II	EF		Ask	£280	$445
1898 A	20 Marks	KM 521. Head of Wilhelm II	good VF		Yes	£250	$400
1902 A	20 Marks	KM 521. Head of Wilhelm II	about EF		Yes	£270	$430
1908 A	20 Marks	KM 521. Head of Wilhelm II	about EF		Yes	£270	$430
1910 A	20 Marks	KM 521. Head of Wilhelm II	about EF		Yes	£270	$430
1912 A	20 Marks	KM 521. Head of Wilhelm II	about EF		Yes	£270	$430
1913 A	20 Marks	KM 521. Head of Wilhelm II	about EF		Ask	£270	$430
1913 A	20 Marks	KM 537. Bust of Wilhelm II	about EF		Yes	£270	$430
1914 A	20 Marks	KM 537. Bust of Wilhelm II	about EF		Ask	£270	$430
1915 A	20 Marks	KM 537. Bust of Wilhelm II	about EF		Ask	£270	$430

Quantity Purchases
For investors or collectors wishing to buy 20 Marks in quantity of 10 pieces or more, we can usually quote very competitive bullion rates on request.

Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10 per order
USA Insured Shipping $20 per order

Coins Wanted
We make an active market in almost all world coins, gold or otherwise, including Prussian or other German coins. If you have any of these coins to sell, please contact us, or post them to us for appraisal and offer.