The 1939 German 2 Reichspfennig coin, a historical artifact from the period of the Third Reich (1933-1945), holds varying monetary value in the numismatic market. Its worth is not fixed but fluctuates based on a confluence of factors, primarily its condition, the specific mint mark, and the presence of any minting errors. Collectors and historians alike find these coins significant due to their direct link to a pivotal era in world history. While general estimates for the 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin value range from approximately $3 for heavily circulated examples to $152 or more for pristine, high-grade specimens, a precise valuation requires careful assessment.
Understanding the 1939 Deutsches Reich 2 Reichspfennig
The 2 Reichspfennig coin was a common denomination in Nazi Germany. These coins were typically made of bronze, though composition could vary in different years. For the 1939 issue, the composition was generally bronze (95% copper, 4% tin, 1% zinc). The obverse of the coin usually featured the Nazi eagle clutching a swastika, while the reverse displayed the denomination “2 Reichspfennig” and the mint year “1939.” The design elements are characteristic of the propaganda and iconography prevalent during the Third Reich.
Historical Context of the 1939 Coinage
The year 1939 was a momentous one, marking the beginning of World War II. Coins minted during this period, including the 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin, were circulated within a nation rapidly mobilizing for war. Their production was part of the standard monetary system, but they now serve as tangible reminders of a dark chapter in human history. This historical weight contributes to their appeal for certain collectors, even as the political ideology they represent is universally condemned. The historical significance is a key attribute that differentiates these coins from purely aesthetic collectibles.
Factors Influencing 1939 Deutsches Reich 2 Coin Value
The price realized for a 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin is determined by several critical attributes. Collectors and dealers evaluate these attributes to arrive at an estimated market value.
Condition: The Primary Determinant of Value
The physical state of a coin is the most significant factor affecting its 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin value.
- Circulated vs. Uncirculated:
- Circulated Coins: These coins have been used in commerce and show varying degrees of wear. Details on the design, such as the eagle’s feathers or the lettering, may be softened or worn away. Scratches, dents, and discoloration are common. Heavily circulated 1939 deutsches reich 2 coins typically command the lowest prices, often in the $3-$10 range.
- Uncirculated Coins (Mint State – MS): These coins have never been used in transactions and retain their original mint luster. All design details are sharp and clear. There should be no signs of wear, though minor contact marks from the minting process (bag marks) might be present. Uncirculated coins are significantly more valuable, with prices rising considerably as the grade improves.
- Graded Coins (Professional Coin Grading Service – PCGS, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation – NGC):
- Professional grading services evaluate coins based on a standardized 70-point Sheldon scale. A higher numerical grade indicates a better condition.
- High Grades (e.g., MS-63 to MS-67): A 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin graded MS-63 or higher will exhibit excellent eye appeal, full original luster, and minimal imperfections. These coins can fetch premium prices, often reaching the higher end of the $152 range, or even exceeding it for exceptional examples (e.g., MS-65 or higher).
- Lower Uncirculated Grades (e.g., MS-60 to MS-62): These coins are still uncirculated but may have more bag marks or less striking luster. Their value will be lower than higher-grade uncirculated examples but still considerably more than circulated coins.
- About Uncirculated (AU) and Extremely Fine (EF/XF) Grades: Coins in these grades show only slight traces of wear on the highest points of the design. They represent a significant jump in value from average circulated coins.
- Very Fine (VF) and Fine (F) Grades: While still collectible, coins in these grades exhibit moderate to heavy wear but still have most major design elements visible.
Mint Mark: Identifying the Origin
The mint mark on a 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin indicates which mint facility produced it. This small letter, usually found on the coin’s reverse, can influence its rarity and thus its 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin value.
- Mint Mark Locations:
- A: Berlin (Reichsmünze) – Generally the most common mint mark.
- D: Munich (Bayerisches Hauptmünzamt)
- F: Stuttgart (Staatliche Münze Baden-Württemberg)
- G: Karlsruhe (Staatliche Münze Baden-Württemberg)
- J: Hamburg (Hamburgische Münze)
- Rarity and Value: While production numbers for 1939 2 Reichspfennig coins were generally high across all mints, some mint marks might be slightly scarcer in higher grades. Collectors often seek to complete sets of all mint marks for a given year, which can drive up demand for specific, harder-to-find mints in top condition. For example, a “J” mint mark in MS-65 might be marginally more valuable than an “A” mint mark in the same grade, assuming all other attributes are equal. However, for circulated coins, the mint mark has a less pronounced effect on the 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin value.
Error Coins: Unintended Rarities
Minting errors, though unintentional, can significantly increase the 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin value for collectors of error coinage. These anomalies occur during the production process and make a coin unique.
- Common Error Types:
- Clashed Dies: This occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a blank coin in between. Parts of one design can then be impressed onto the opposing die, resulting in a ghostly image of the opposite side appearing on subsequent coins. A clear and prominent clashed die error can make a 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin highly sought after.
- Off-Center Strikes: The coin blank is not perfectly centered when struck by the dies, resulting in a portion of the design being cut off and a blank crescent on one side.
- Doubled Die: The die itself has a doubled image, which is then transferred to every coin struck by that die. This can be subtle or very dramatic.
- Planchet Errors: Issues with the coin blank itself, such as lamination errors (peeling layers of metal) or incorrect planchet size/thickness.
- Value Impact: The rarity and visual prominence of an error determine its impact on the 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin value. Significant, easily identifiable errors can increase the coin’s worth dramatically, turning a $10 coin into a $100+ specimen, or even more for truly unique errors. Collectors specializing in error coins are willing to pay a premium for these anomalies.
Additional Considerations for 1939 Deutsches Reich 2 Coin Value
Beyond the core factors of condition, mint mark, and errors, other elements can subtly influence the market for these coins.
Historical Significance and Ethical Considerations
The 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin, like all coinage from Nazi Germany, carries immense historical weight. It serves as a tangible link to a regime responsible for atrocities. For some collectors, this historical connection is a primary motivation, viewing the coins as artifacts for study and remembrance. Others may find collecting such items ethically challenging. This dichotomous view impacts demand and, consequently, the 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin value. It is important for collectors to approach these items with an understanding of their historical context and to ensure their collection practices do not inadvertently promote hateful ideologies. The coins are collected for their numismatic and historical attributes, not for the political system they represented.
Collecting Trends and Market Demand
The numismatic market is subject to trends. Popularity of certain series or historical periods can ebb and flow, affecting demand and prices. The 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin value can be influenced by:
- Overall Interest in German Coinage: A general increase in interest in German historical coinage can boost prices across the board.
- Completer Collections: Collectors aiming to acquire one of every German coin type or year will create consistent demand.
- Economic Factors: Broader economic conditions can influence discretionary spending on collectibles, including coins.
- Online Sales Platforms: The ubiquity of online auction sites and marketplaces has made these coins more accessible, potentially stabilizing or slightly increasing prices for common examples, while also making rare pieces more easily discoverable by a global audience.
The Importance of Professional Advice
While online resources and price guides offer estimates, obtaining an accurate 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin value, especially for higher-value pieces, requires expert assessment.
- Professional Numismatists: Experienced coin dealers and numismatists possess detailed knowledge of grading standards, market trends, and specific varieties or errors. They can provide a precise valuation based on physical inspection.
- Auction Houses: Reputable auction houses specializing in coins often provide appraisals and can facilitate sales for valuable specimens, ensuring fair market value. They track recent sales data, which is crucial for current valuations.
- Price Guides and Online Databases: Resources like the Standard Catalog of World Coins (Krause Publications) or online databases (e.g., PCGS, NGC price guides, completed eBay sales) offer valuable reference points. However, these are general guides and the actual sale price can vary.
How to Determine Your 1939 Deutsches Reich 2 Coin Value
If you possess a 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin and wish to ascertain its value, follow these steps:
- Cleanliness (Caution Advised): Generally, do not clean coins. Cleaning can severely damage the surface and significantly reduce the 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin value. Any dirt or patina is part of its history and often preferred by collectors.
- Examine Condition:
- Under good lighting, use a magnifying glass (e.g., 5x or 10x jeweler’s loupe) to inspect the coin.
- Look for signs of wear on the highest points of the design (e.g., the eagle’s head, the swastika, the numbers).
- Assess the presence of original luster.
- Note any scratches, dents, or rim damage.
- Compare your coin to online grading standards or images of graded coins to get a rough idea of its condition (e.g., Good, Fine, Very Fine, Extremely Fine, About Uncirculated, Uncirculated).
- Locate the Mint Mark: Find the small letter on the coin’s reverse, typically below the denomination or above the year. Identify if it’s A, D, F, G, or J.
- Check for Errors: Carefully examine both sides for any anomalies like doubled images, off-center strikes, or unusual marks that might indicate a minting error. Research common errors for this specific coin type.
- Consult Price Guides and Recent Sales Data:
- Look up the 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin in reputable numismatic catalogs.
- Check online auction sites for “completed listings” or “sold items” to see what similar coins have actually sold for recently. This provides a more realistic market value than arbitrary asking prices.
- Be aware that prices can fluctuate, and the value listed in older guides might not reflect current market conditions.
- Seek Expert Opinion for Valuable Coins: If you believe your coin is in exceptional condition (uncirculated) or has a significant error, consider sending it to a professional grading service (PCGS, NGC) or consulting with a local reputable coin dealer. They offer expert evaluation and authentication services.
Conclusion
The 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin value is a dynamic figure, ranging from a few dollars for a worn example to well over $150 for a top-tier, uncirculated specimen. Its worth is intrinsically linked to its physical condition, the specific mint of origin, and the presence of any rare manufacturing defects. While the historical context of these coins from Nazi Germany is undeniable and contributes to their unique appeal as historical artifacts, their monetary value within the numismatic community is primarily driven by attributes of rarity and preservation. For anyone interested in buying or selling these coins, a thorough understanding of these factors and, for valuable pieces, professional consultation, is essential to ensure a fair and accurate assessment of the 1939 deutsches reich 2 coin value.
How much is a Reichsmark coin worth?
According to the latest data as of August 19, 2025 the average price of a Silver coin 5 Reichsmark 1937 with mark A is 15 USD for regular strike and 990 USD for coins minted using the PROOF technology.
How much was the Reichsmark worth in ww2?
The official exchange rate data from 1945 shows that 1.1050 Reichsmark was equivalent to one U.S. dollar.