German silver is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc in various proportions, with the majority being copper and the alloy hardened with both Nickel and Silver. Although no circulating coinage was struck using this alloy, there are a large number of patterns known that were struck in this alloy. These are often of a copper-silver coloration, as can also be clearly seen on the present coin.

Interestingly, US Mint records indicate that this design was struck in three alloys, but does not list a German silver composition. As such, these pieces are very rare, indicated by the R-8 rarity rating as well. It is unlikely that more examples will turn up, and with an increasing demand for coins as this particular pattern this appears to be a very good investment right now.

Moderately softly struck, as German silver is a very hard alloy that is difficult to struck, this coin still has lots of eye-appeal. Moderate luster is visible, and the fields are remarkably clean. It has been left ungraded by NCS because of a scratched VI in the higher-left obverse field. Although this is not confirmed, it is a very likely possibility that this was done inside the Mint to distinguish this particular composition in a batch of different patterns. A historical coin and a rare opportunity for the specialist!