Watch List notes:

GERMANY. Weimar Republic. 5 Mark, 1927-A. Berlin Mint. NGC PROOF-67 Cameo.
KM-56, J-331. Oak tree type. Tremendous quality throughout, this Superb Gem proof "oak tree" 5 Mark showcases vivid white surfaces with crisp contrast between the designs and mirror-like fields. Unsurpassed in grade at both NGC or PCGS and sure to excite collectors as such.

Succeeding the dismantled Imperial German government after World War I, the Weimar Republic was disliked by moderates and loathed by extremists on both the left and the right. A multitude of reasons brought about the disintegration of the Weimar government and the rise of the Nazi totalitarian government led by Adolf Hitler, most notably economic problems brought about by the intense war reparations forced upon Germany after the First World War. The Great Depression also severely weakened the struggling state, which scholars correlate directly to the rise of extremist politics.

These factors are vital to understanding the reasoning behind how this piece came into existence. The year of the overdate is a good starting point; in mid-1931 the Weimar government faced its most dire predicaments, in May there were four million unemployed workers and the German bank crisis occurred in July. It seems plausible that these financial disasters stymied plans for the 1931 mintage. Heading into 1932, dies dated 1931 must have been in excess, and considering the oft-mentioned financial troubles, it must have seemed economically savvy to prepare a 1931 die into a 1932/1 die. This may not have been approved by the mint overseer, or another official at the mint. Whatever the case may be, it can be assumed that only a very small number (if anymore than this example) were produced or survived to the present day.

The design for this piece features an oak tree, with the date divided by the trunk at the bottom, and the mintmark of "A" for Berlin among the roots of the tree. "EINIGKET UND RECHT UND FREIHEIT" composes the outer legend, which translates to "Unity and Justice (or Law) and Freedom". The reverse displays the Reichswappen (German heraldic eagle) in a triumphant pose within a beaded circle. "DEUTSCHES REICH" (German Realm) appears above, and was the official name for the government. The German word Reich was a word used for many ideas, and in this case the English "Realm" seems the most accurate translation. It would of course come to mean Empire again under Hitler, who sought to forge a new German Reich throughout Europe. Hitler's Third Reich was a successor to the Holy Roman Empire and the more recent German Empire that collapsed at the conclusion of World War I. The denomination of "FUNF REICHSMARK" appears in the lower portion of the legend.

Estimate: $1500 - $2500