5 Mark Hanseatic Town Hamburg Gold Coin | 1877
Hamburgische Münze
The Hamburg Mint dates back to 1326 and is one of Germany’s oldest mints.
It produces German circulation coins with the mint mark “J.”
It also manufactures commemorative coins, collector coins, and medals.
The mint combines Hanseatic tradition with modern minting technology.
GPSR: Münze Deutschland
Barbarastr. 1
50735 Köln
(0961) / 3818 3970
info@muenze-deutschland.de
🇩🇪 5 Mark Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg 1877 – gold coin – Early imperial minting with Hanseatic city coat of arms
The 5 Mark gold coin of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg from the year 1877 is part of the early issues of the German Empire and reflects the connection between municipal independence and overarching state structure. It was minted at the Hamburg Mint with the mint mark “J”, clearly identifying its origin. The design follows the standards of imperial gold coinage while incorporating a distinctive Hanseatic visual language.
The obverse shows the coat of arms of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg in a clearly structured representation. At the center is the triple-towered city gate with an open archway, flanked by two side towers and a raised central tower. The architectural lines are precisely executed and convey stability and historical continuity. Surrounding the design is the inscription “FREIE UND HANSESTADT HAMBURG”, accompanied by the year 1877, clearly placing the motif in context.
The reverse features the imperial eagle of the German Empire with outstretched wings. Above the eagle is the imperial crown, while on its chest appears a shield bearing the Prussian eagle. Encircling the design are the inscriptions “DEUTSCHES REICH” and the denomination 5 MARK. The composition is symmetrical and follows the typical design principles of imperial coinage.
The minting quality is fine and precise. The details of the city coat of arms as well as the structure of the eagle are cleanly modeled and clearly separated. Light moves calmly across the surface and subtly highlights the individual design elements. The combination of smooth areas and fine structures creates a balanced three-dimensional effect.
The coin consists of a gold alloy with a fineness of 900/1000 and has a total weight of approximately 1.99 grams, corresponding to a fine gold content of about 1.79 grams. With a diameter of around 17 millimeters, the coin presents a compact and well-balanced appearance, reflecting its function as a circulation gold coin.
The design combines Hanseatic identity with the state symbolism of the Empire. While the obverse places the Hamburg coat of arms at the center, the reverse complements the design with the imperial eagle, adding its political context. The clear line work creates a calm and cohesive overall impression.
In its entirety, the 5 Mark gold coin Hamburg 1877 represents a precise and structured example of early imperial minting, characterized by clarity, balance, and timeless design.
| Metal | Gold |
| Form | Gold Coin |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Hamburgische Münze |
| Purity | 900/1000 |
| Fineweight | 1.79 gram |
| Gross Weight | 1.99 gram |
| Year of issue | 1877-1878 |
| Grade | Brilliant |
| Condition | Circulated |
| Face value | 5 Mark |
| Thickness | 0.6 mm |
| Diameter | 17.00 mm |
| Mintage | 440000 |
| Packaging | Single in Pouch |