Germany 5 Deutsche Mark 1968 Max Pettenkofer Commemorative Issue Silver Coin #V-189

Issuer	Federal Republic of Germany
Period	Federal Republic (1949-date)
Type	Non-circulating coins
Year	1968
Value	5 Deutsche Mark (5 DEM)
Currency	Deutsche Mark (1948-2001)
Composition	Silver (.625)
Weight	11.2 g
Diameter	29 mm
Thickness	2.07 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑

This is an exceptional piece of German numismatic history—a 1968 5 Deutsche Mark commemorative silver coin honoring Max Pettenkofer, issued by the Federal Republic of Germany. Minted in .625 silver with a substantial weight of 11.2 grams and precisely engineered dimensions of 29mm diameter and 2.07mm thickness, this non-circulating commemorative represents the craftsmanship of mid-20th-century German coinage.

Max Pettenkofer (1818-1901) was a pioneering German chemist and hygienist whose groundbreaking work in public health and sanitation revolutionized modern medicine. This commemorative issue celebrates his legacy during an era when West Germany honored its greatest scientific and cultural contributors through special coin releases.

As a .625 silver composition coin, it possesses both intrinsic metal value and significant numismatic appeal. The medal alignment and milled technique showcase professional mint production standards. Collectors prize this issue for its historical significance, limited mintage typical of commemorative releases, and its connection to an important figure in scientific advancement. The 1968 vintage places it within a key period of Deutsche Mark history, before the currency’s eventual retirement in 2001, making it an increasingly sought-after collectible for serious numismatists and history enthusiasts alike.

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