GERMANY. Kaiserreich. Hessen. Ludwig III, 1848-1877. Pattern 5 Mark (Steel, 23 mm, 14.90 g), private test strike, no date (after 1877). LUDWIG III GROSHERZOG VON HESSEN Bare head of Ludwig III to right, H below. Rev. Blank. Cf. Friedberg 3787 and Jaeger 215 (for prototype). Rare. Corrosion on the reverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.



The precise origin of these enigmatic pieces, which are often described as patterns, remains unclear. Their manufacture and material may also suggest that they were actually patrixes used in the production of coinage dies.