Five Marks 1961, Coin from Germany - detailed information

The Five Marks coin, abbreviated 5 DM and known in English as 5 German Marks, was the largest circulating denomination of the Deutsche Mark (German mark), which was the official currency of West Germany from 1948 until 1990 and later of unified Germany from 1990 until 2002.

All coins of the denomination were initially made of silver but this was later changed to CuproNickel-clad nickel. There was also an extensive series of commemorative 5 Marks coins.

The edge inscription was the same throughout the history of the denomination: Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit, meaning "Unity and Justice and Freedom" (same as on the 2 DM coins).

Silver 5 Mark coins issued in 1961 circulated for 14 years until they were demonetised on 1st August 1975.