Product Details

The 1908 Germany Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach 5 Mark “University of Jena” is one of the finest commemoratives of the German Empire and a standout coin for collectors of pre–World War I European silver. This coin commemorates the 350th anniversary of the University of Jena and was issued under Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst. Struck in silver (.900 fine) at the Berlin Mint, it weighs 27.78 grams, measures 38 mm in diameter, and contains 0.8037 troy ounces of pure silver. Mintage was limited to 40,000 pieces, making it a scarce issue in high grades.​ The obverse shows Johann Friedrich I the Magnanimous, founder of the university, portrayed in classical style, while the reverse features the Imperial German eagle with a crowned shield and the edge inscription “GOTT MIT UNS.” In NGC MS65, the coin represents exceptional preservation, retaining nearly full mint luster, with minimal contact marks and strong strike quality. When a specimen exhibits rainbow or pastel toning—caused by natural oxidation over more than a century—it becomes particularly desirable due to its visual rarity and undeniable eye appeal.​ Market data from NGC and major world coin auction archives show untoned MS65 examples typically sell between 300 and 500 USD, while attractively toned or luster-rich coins often realize between 800 and 1500 USD. Examples described as “monster toned” can command far higher premiums, with some achieving 2500 USD or more depending on color vibrancy and surface reflectivity. A few extraordinary examples have even surpassed 6000 USD at premium auctions.​ In summary, the 1908 Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach 5 Mark Jena University coin in NGC MS65 with monster pastel rainbow toning is a top-tier collectible from the German Empire era. Its low mintage, nearly flawless surfaces, and exceptional luster make it a “trophy coin” for high-end world silver collectors and one of the most visually impressive issues of early 20th-century German numismatics.​