Gold Mark / Imperial Coins
Also: imperial gold coin, Wilhelmine gold coin, Reichsgold coin
Gold coins of the German Empire (1871–1915), struck in 900 gold (crown gold), today recognised as investment gold and exempt from VAT.
The gold mark refers to the gold coins that the German Empire struck between 1871 and 1915 under the unified Coinage Act of 1873. With the founding of the empire, the gold mark replaced the fragmented patchwork of coinage among the individual German states and created, for the first time, a common gold-based currency. Anyone buying or selling imperial coins today acquires not only a piece of history but also VAT-exempt investment gold.
Denominations and technical data
The empire struck gold coins in three denominations: 5, 10 and 20 mark. The 20-mark coin is by far the most widespread and the most relevant variant for investors.
| Denomination | Gross weight | Fine weight | Diameter | Fineness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mark | 1.991 g | 1.792 g | 17.0 mm | 900/1000 |
| 10 mark | 3.982 g | 3.584 g | 19.5 mm | 900/1000 |
| 20 mark | 7.965 g | 7.168 g | 22.5 mm | 900/1000 |
All denominations are made of 900 gold (crown gold) — an alloy of 90% fine gold and 10% copper, which gives the coin the hardness it needs for circulation. Calculate the melt value of your coin conveniently with the melt value calculator.
Calculating the fine weight
The fine weight follows directly from the gross weight and the fineness:
Fine weight = gross weight × fineness
Example, 20 mark: 7.965 g × 0.900 = 7.168 g fine gold
Use the coin weight checker to compare your coin's weight against the target value — deviations of more than 0.1 g can point to a forgery or heavy wear.
A range of issuers
Because the empire was made up of individual states, different mints struck coins for the emperor and the regional princes: Berlin (A), Munich (D), Muldenhütten (E), Stuttgart (F), Karlsruhe (G), Hamburg (J), as well as a few mints that no longer exist. The mint mark (a single letter) sits on the reverse beneath the eagle. Rarer mint letters can command noticeably higher premiums on the numismatic market.
Investment relevance and tax
Imperial gold coins meet the EU criteria for investment gold: a fineness of at least 900/1000 and struck after 1800. They are therefore VAT-exempt in Ireland under the VAT Consolidation Act 2010. On a sale at a profit, a private individual's gain is liable to Capital Gains Tax at 33% after the annual EUR 1,270 exemption; Ireland grants no holding-period relief, unlike the one-year rule that applies in Germany. This note is no substitute for tax or investment advice.
Checking authenticity and condition
Given their high gold value, forgeries do exist. Reliable checking methods include verifying weight and diameter as well as the ping (sound) test. Further guidance is offered by the coin authenticity check. For collectors, the grade of preservation is decisive for price; for investors, what mainly counts is the gold price and the fine weight the coin contains.
In brief
Imperial gold coins combine numismatic collector appeal with the intrinsic value of 7.168 g of fine gold (20 mark) and rank as a classic form of physical gold — ideal for investors who want to unite tradition and wealth preservation in a single piece.