East German 5 Mark 1969 questions

Hello,

     I recently acquired a large lot of these coins and have some questions I couldn't find answers to; maybe someone here can help?

1) How can I tell the difference between KM# 22.1 and KM# 22.1a  besides the color? They are identical except for composition.

2) Some coins have the edge lettering (5 Mark) right side up with the Obverse of the coin but others have it upside down - is this significant?

3) What does it mean (Mongolian inscription) on the error KM#22.3? There are no images.

Thank you,

Hello 🤖

Without pictures, it will be very difficult for anyone to help you. Could you please post clear pictures of each side of your item?

Please note that this is an automatic message. Feel free to ignore if it is not relevant.

Please help us to help you. When you mention a coin please provide links to the coins.

KM# 22: N#3110

KM# 22.1a: N#129712

1) Based on the images in the listing there is a significant color difference. (AKS also says that copies of the coin were produced in other alloys.)

2) For most coins with edge lettering the lettering is added in a separate step from the striking of the obverse and reverse and there is no control of the edge orientation. I expect that is the case here.

3) I looked in AKS about the Mongolian inscription and now have a pending modification request to add this text to the listing (and to update other information in the listing):

The Berlin mint also produced commemorative coins for Mongolia which is how some coins were produced with a Mongolian inscription on the edge. Only two copies are known.