Obverse:
Depicts the imperial eagle with crown, representing the authority and unity of the German Empire. The detailed heraldic design, featuring spread wings and royal insignia, is surrounded by the inscription “DEUTSCHES REICH 1881.”

Reverse:
Shows the denomination “1 MARK” enclosed within a laurel wreath, tied at the bottom with a bow — a traditional motif signifying victory and national pride. The fine engraving of leaves reflects the precision of 19th-century German minting.

Specifications:

• Composition: Silver (.900)

• Weight: 5.55 g

• Diameter: 24 mm

• Thickness: 1.44 mm

• Edge: Reeded

• Alignment: Medal (0°)

• Mint mark: F (Stuttgart)

• Mintage: 1,455,000

• Shape: Round

Historical Insight:
By 1881, the German Empire had firmly established itself as a leading industrial and political power in Europe. The mark, introduced a decade earlier, had become a stable and respected currency, symbolizing the Empire’s growing influence. The coin’s design echoes imperial confidence and the enduring symbolism of the eagle — a legacy stretching back to the Holy Roman Empire.

Collecting Note:
The 1881 “F” 1 Mark is a desirable mid-issue example within the Wilhelm I series. Its balanced mintage and classic design make it a staple in collections of 19th-century European silver, representing both the craftsmanship and stability of the early German monetary system.