1880-A Germany Pattern 1 Mark
Nickel Trial Strike
Unlisted in Schaaf
PCGS SP66
UNIQUE & UNRECORDED
SOLD

This is a unique and unrecorded Specimen Strike of an 1880-A Germany Pattern 1 Mark. It is a trial strike in nickel instead of silver. The official adopted dies were used to strike this trial strike. It is not listed in the Schaaf reference book of German patterns or documented in any other reference material.

The Schaaf reference book is used by both PCGS and NGC for designation on their inserts. The Schaaf reference book is considered relatively complete and lists not only patterns that are different by design but also includes those that are struck in off-metals and are uniface. It is fascinating that this unique and unrecorded nickel test strike exists and was preserved as a gem Specimen Strike. PCGS authenticated and certified it SP66.









Die Trials are featured in Chapter 13 of my
NLG award winning book, World's Greatest Mint Errors: