Gold Mark / Imperial Coins
Also: Imperial gold coin, Wilhelmine gold coin, Reich gold coin
Gold coins of the German Empire (1871–1915), struck in 900 gold (crown gold), today recognised as VAT-exempt investment gold under EU rules.
The gold mark denotes the gold coins that the German Empire struck between 1871 and 1915 under the uniform Coinage Act of 1873. With the founding of the empire, the gold mark replaced the previously fragmented tangle of coins of 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 history but also VAT-exempt investment gold under EU rules.
Coin denominations and technical data
The empire struck gold coins in three denominations: 5, 10 and 20 Mark. The 20 Mark coin is 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 that gives the coin the hardness needed for circulation. Calculate the melt value of your coin conveniently with the Melt Value Calculator.
Calculating the fine weight
The fine weight results 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 Check to compare the weight of your coin with the nominal value — deviations of more than 0.1 g can point to counterfeits or heavy wear.
Diversity of issuers
As the empire consisted of individual states, different mints struck coins for the emperor and the state princes: Berlin (A), Munich (D), Muldenhütten (E), Stuttgart (F), Karlsruhe (G), Hamburg (J) and some mints that no longer exist today. The mint mark (mint letter) is located on the reverse below the eagle. Rarer mint letters achieve considerably 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 minted after 1800. In Malta they are therefore exempt from VAT (Directive 2006/112/EC). Malta levies no capital gains tax on private disposals of movable assets such as precious metals; Maltese capital gains tax applies only to specific assets (immovable property, securities, business interests). This note does not replace tax or investment advice. Sources: cfr.gov.mt, legislation.mt, eur-lex.europa.eu.
Checking authenticity and condition
Because of the high gold value, counterfeits exist. Proven testing methods are weight and diameter checks as well as the ping (sound) test. Further guidance is provided by the coin authenticity check. For collectors, the grade of preservation is decisive for price; for investors, the gold price and the fine weight contained are what primarily count.
In brief
Imperial gold coins combine numismatic collector value with the intrinsic value of 7.168 g of fine gold (20 Mark) and are regarded as a classic, tax-advantaged form of physical gold — ideal for investors who wish to unite tradition and preservation of value in a single piece.