1972 G Germany Olympic Games, Munich 1972 - Athletes 10 Mark 15.5g 0.62 Silver
πͺ Just the Facts
Historical Context: The 1972 Summer Olympics, held in Munich, West Germany, were a significant event during a period marked by the Cold War and the desire for Germany to showcase its recovery and modernization post-World War II. This was the first Olympics held in Germany since the Nazi regime in 1936, and the event aimed to promote a new image of the country, emphasizing peace and international cooperation. However, the games were overshadowed by the tragic Munich massacre, where members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage and killed by a Palestinian terrorist group, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical tensions of the era. The issuance of commemorative coins, such as the 10 Deutsche Mark featuring athletes, reflected both national pride and the spirit of sportsmanship during this complex time.
Obverse: A heraldic eagle looking left and the mintmark above the right claw
Reverse: Athletes
βοΈ Coin Specifications
- Country: Germany
- Year: 1972
- Denomination: 10 Deutsche Mark
- Mint Mark: G
- Krause Number: 132
- Subject: XX summer Olympic Games, Munich 1972 – Athletes
- Shape: Round
- Weight: 15.5g
- Diameter: 32.5 mm
- Thickness: 2.25 mm
- Composition: Silver
- Fineness: 0.625
- Numista Reference: 9627
βββ PCGS-Style Grade Estimate βββ
COIN: Germany (Federal Republic), 10 Deutsche Mark, 1972 (Munich Olympics βIn MΓΌnchenβ / athletics relay), mintmark G (Karlsruhe)
GRADE: PR66 (Proof)
Confidence: Medium
ββ Grading Factors ββ
Strike: Strong
Luster: Mirror-like
Surface: Noticeable hairlines in fields with scattered small spots/specks; light contact/handling marks for a proof
Eye Appeal: Average
Wear: None
Cleaning: Possible
ββ Side Notes ββ
Obverse: Mirrored field shows visible fine hairlines and a few darker marks on the frosted athletes; cameo contrast present but not especially deep.
Reverse: Hairlines in the darker fields around the eagle; small greenish speckling/spots in several areas; devices remain sharply defined.
ββ Grader Notes ββ
This appears to be a proof strike with strong mirrors and crisp device detail, but the grade is held back by evident hairlines in the fields and scattered spotting/speckling (including greenish spots) that reduce eye appeal. No wear is visible; issues are primarily surface preservation typical of mishandling or light wiping on proof surfaces.
(Estimate only β not a PCGS submission grade.)
