mlaird37,
The marks seem to be postwar Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) marks. We all remember the citizens standing on the Berlin Wall, breaking it down for the re-unification, but I don't know "off the top of my head" when the legal event occurred. By the typical protocol for dating proof, the 698 would be June 1998. This seems a little late for "West Germany" and may be unified "Germany"(to look it up, I would have to get out of this program). The shield with the checkered pattern is the mark of the Munich proof house, but it was(is) used by "sub" Proof Houses, under the direction of the main one in Munich. There is an eagle stamp next to the shield, which is not legible. The form of the eagle and any letters underneath it is meaningful to understand the mark. It would be helpful if you could post a legible photo or describe the letter(s). If you provide this, we can provide you the meaning of the stamp.
I hope this is of some help.
Mike
