Moneta's Temple and Gallery

German East Africa 1904-A ½ heller

numismatist6 — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 11:00:33 -0700

by: numismatist6

Description: These coins were issued for circulation in German East Africa. This coin was minted in Berlin. After World War I, Germany was stripped of its possessions. GEA was transferred to Britain under mandate and was renamed Tanganyika.

German East Africa 1914-J 10 heller

numismatist6 — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:46:44 -0700

by: numismatist6

Description: These coins were issued for circulation in German East Africa. This coin was minted in Hamburg. After World War I, Germany was stripped of its possessions. GEA was transferred to Britain under mandate and was renamed Tanganyika.

Belgium, GENT - German Occupation 1915

Moneta — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 12:34:54 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Emergency money for Belgium and the Flemish Ghent (Gent) region during WWI German occupation (1915 - 1918). Designed by the famous sculptor Georges Verbanck. These were somehow used/issued by the Germans to encourage the Flemish separatist movement from Belgium. Beautiful execution of an iron planchet layered with brass and copper. Other denominations exist in this series (1 Frank, 50 Centimes), some are round. There seems to be a wide variation of prices asked for these in the European market. I've seen asking prices of over $500 (high grade). Generally, I'd say paying more than about $100 would be a mistake. Half that amount is about right and the various denominations, shapes, etc. seem to be equally available. Please see 'Belgium' for a full display of these WWI types under German occupation. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Here's a link to the article I wrote for the "NI Bulletin" [Sep/Oct 2023], the bimonthly publication of Numismatics International. It explores the conditions of the WWI minting of these unusual emergency coins of Ghent, Belgium - click this: www.moneta-coins.com/library/Ghent%20Belgium%20Emergency%20Coins%201915.pdf

German New Guinea 2 Pf

Moneta — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:43:19 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: A nice example of German New Guinea two Pfennig of 1894; this only year of issue had only 17k struck in Berlin.

German East Africa 5 Heller

Moneta — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:19:11 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Tabora crude mintage. This example is the more common of the two types with 'flat base'. Wilhelm II. See the other coins in this category for a great link to the numismatic history of German E. Africa. A primary source for information is this monograph; VIEW & DOWNLOAD: German East Africa Coins - Sandrock: https://groups.io/g/Moneta/files/Moneta%20Library/German%20East%20Africa%20Coins%20-%20Sandrock.pdf

KIAU CHAU~5 Cents 1909

Zantetsuken — Wed, 26 May 2010 18:58:46 -0700

by: Zantetsuken

Description: Colony of the German Empire. Now Jiaozhou, China

German New Guinea 2 Mark

Moneta — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:20:06 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Germany annexed the northern section of eastern New Guinea in 1884 under the administration of the Neu-Guinea Company. The colony eatablished the capital as Hebershohe and that later became Rabaul. The colony was occupied by Australia in August of 1914. ANACS encapsulated as AU 55, problem free with disturbed fields but proof-like around devices, very nice! Only 19 k struck in Berlin. Without color it is difficult to tell which of the 7 species of genus Paradisaea this particular bird represents, probably the Greater or Goldie's Bird of Paradise. Perhaps a look at colony paper money will tell the story. This German colony was established by banker Adolph von Hansemann. As founder and owner of the biggest private bank of the German Empire he funded railway tracks in Venezuela and Shandong, established the German Sea Trading Company and the German New Guinea Company. Investors and managers wanted to quickly establish plantations but the long supply train and the lack of skilled works quickly made them realize they had miscalculated. The German New Guinea Company was forced to sell their colony rights before impending bankruptcy to the German Imperial government in 1898. A reminder of that episode of German economic history is the splendid coinage that was made solely in 1894 on behalf of the German New Guinea Company in Berlin. Famous is the beautiful depiction of a bird of paradise, a design created by Otto Schultz, at that time, the most gifted die cutter of the Berlin Mint. The coins were introduced to gain control of the disappearance of German circulation coinage. It was for that reason that special coinages were introduced in New Guinea in 1894 which were forbidden to export. At the same time, foreign currencies were prohibited. German coins were allowed to coexist with the New Guinea Mark. In 1888, during a volcanic eruption, an island sank, and the subsequent tsunami claimed the lives of 5,000 people. The colony's capital had to be abandoned in 1891 due to a malaria epidemic. Shortly before the First World War commenced only 772 Germans lived in the colony. It's not surprising that Australian and Japanese troops were able to conquer German New Guinea immediately after WWI. In the mean time Papua New Guinea seemingly reintroduced depictions of this same bird on their regular and NCLT beginning in 1975. See particularly the 10 Kina piece represented here in the Moneta Museum.

German New Guinea 1/2 Mark

Moneta — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:11:58 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Germany annexed the northern section of eastern New Guinea in 1884 under the administration of the Neu-Guinea Company. The colony eatablished the capital as Hebershohe and that later became Rabaul. The colony was occupied by Australia in August of 1914. Uncirculated, mostly brilliant with some areas of toning around the devices. Only 16 k struck in Berlin. Without color it is difficult to tell which of the 7 species of genus Paradisaea this particular bird represents, probably the Greater or Goldie's Bird of Paradise. Perhaps a look at colony paper money will tell the story. This German colony was established by banker Adolph von Hansemann. As founder and owner of the biggest private bank of the German Empire he funded railway tracks in Venezuela and Shandong, established the German Sea Trading Company and the German New Guinea Company. Investors and managers wanted to quickly establish plantations but the long supply train and the lack of skilled workers quickly made them realize they had miscalculated. The German New Guinea Company was forced to sell their colony rights before impending bankruptcy to the German Imperial government in 1898. A reminder of that episode of German economic history is the splendid coinage that was made solely in 1894 on behalf of the German New Guinea Company in Berlin. Famous is the beautiful depiction of a bird of paradise, a design created by Otto Schultz, at that time, the most gifted die cutter of the Berlin Mint. The coins were introduced to gain control of the disappearance of German circulation coinage. It was for that reason that special coinages were introduced in New Guinea in 1894 which were forbidden to export. At the same time, foreign currencies were prohibited. German coins were allowed to coexist with the New Guinea Mark. In 1888, during a volcanic eruption, an island sank, and the subsequent tsunami claimed the lives of 5,000 people. The colony's capital had to be abandoned in 1891 due to a malaria epidemic. Shortly before the First World War commenced only 772 Germans lived in the colony. It's not surprising that Australian and Japanese troops were able to conquer German New Guinea immediately after WWI. In the mean time Papua New Guinea seemingly reintroduced depictions of this same bird on their regular and NCLT beginning in 1975. See particularly the 10 Kina piece represented here in the Moneta Museum.

German New Guinea 10 Pfennig

Moneta — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:07:30 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Germany annexed the northern section of eastern New Guinea in 1884 under the administration of the Neu-Guinea Company. The colony eatablished the capital as Hebershohe and that later became Rabaul. The colony was occupied by Australia in August of 1914. Red-brown example of this gorgeous coin that grades Uncirculated. One-year type with only 24 k struck. Without color it is difficult to tell which of the 7 species of genus Paradisaea this particular bird represents, probably the Greater or Goldie's Bird of Paradise. Perhaps a look at colony paper money will tell the story. This German colony was established by banker Adolph von Hansemann. As founder and owner of the biggest private bank of the German Empire he funded railway tracks in Venezuela and Shandong, established the German Sea Trading Company and the German New Guinea Company. Investors and managers wanted to quickly establish plantations but the long supply train and the lack of skilled workers quickly made them realize they had miscalculated. The German New Guinea Company was forced to sell their colony rights before impending bankruptcy to the German Imperial government in 1898. A reminder of that episode of German economic history is the splendid coinage that was made solely in 1894 on behalf of the German New Guinea Company in Berlin. Famous is the beautiful depiction of a bird of paradise, a design created by Otto Schultz, at that time, the most gifted die cutter of the Berlin Mint. The coins were introduced to gain control of the disappearance of German circulation coinage. It was for that reason that special coinages were introduced in New Guinea in 1894 which were forbidden to export. At the same time, foreign currencies were prohibited. German coins were allowed to coexist with the New Guinea Mark. In 1888, during a volcanic eruption, an island sank, and the subsequent tsunami claimed the lives of 5,000 people. The colony's capital had to be abandoned in 1891 due to a malaria epidemic. Shortly before the First World War commenced only 772 Germans lived in the colony. It's not surprising that Australian and Japanese troops were able to conquer German New Guinea immediately after WWI. In the mean time Papua New Guinea seemingly reintroduced depictions of this same bird on their regular and NCLT beginning in 1975. See particularly the 10 Kina piece represented here in the Moneta Museum.

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German New Guinea 1 Mark

Moneta — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 19:55:33 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Bird of Paradise in VF+ that still retains a lot of detail and eye appeal. Germany annexed the northern section of eastern New Guinea in 1884 under the administration of the Neu-Guinea Company. The colony eatablished the capital as Hebershohe and that later became Rabaul. The colony was occupied by Australia in August of 1914. There's a small cut on the obverse rim. Mintage was 33 K for this one-year type. Without color it is difficult to tell which of the 7 species of genus Paradisaea this particular bird represents, probably the Greater or Goldie's Bird of Paradise. Perhaps a look at colony paper money will tell the story. This German colony was established by banker Adolph von Hansemann. As founder and owner of the biggest private bank of the German Empire he funded railway tracks in Venezuela and Shandong, established the German Sea Trading Company and the German New Guinea Company. Investors and managers wanted to quickly establish plantations but the long supply train and the lack of skilled works quickly made them realize they had miscalculated. The German New Guinea Company was forced to sell their colony rights before impending bankruptcy to the German Imperial government in 1898. A reminder of that episode of German economic history is the splendid coinage that was made solely in 1894 on behalf of the German New Guinea Company in Berlin. Famous is the beautiful depiction of a bird of paradise, a design created by Otto Schultz, at that time, the most gifted die cutter of the Berlin Mint. The coins were introduced to gain control of the disappearance of German circulation coinage. It was for that reason that special coinages were introduced in New Guinea in 1894 which were forbidden to export. At the same time, foreign currencies were prohibited. German coins were allowed to coexist with the New Guinea Mark. In 1888, during a volcanic eruption, an island sank, and the subsequent tsunami claimed the lives of 5,000 people. The colony's capital had to be abandoned in 1891 due to a malaria epidemic. Shortly before the First World War commenced only 772 Germans lived in the colony. It's not surprising that Australian and Japanese troops were able to conquer German New Guinea immediately after WWI. In the mean time Papua New Guinea seemingly reintroduced depictions of this same bird on their regular and NCLT beginning in 1975. See particularly the 10 Kina piece represented here in the Moneta Museum.

German E. Africa Pesa

Moneta — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 19:52:09 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: It's hard to find it finer. The Pesa and shows on the obverse a laurel wreath and the Arabic legend 'Company of Germany'. On its reverse the imperial eagle is depicted. An Indian Rupee, the most important coastal currency, equated to 64 Pesa. Pesa were issued in high numbers (in 1892 alone, the emission�s last year, 27.541.389 were manufactured). The colony was established by treaties with local chiefs in 1884. It became a protectorate in 1891 and a full colony in 1897. The territory was established in what then was known as Tanganyika (Tanzania). The colony was lost after WWI. The BEST article on German E. Africa Coins is: German East Africa Coins - Sandrock: https://groups.io/g/Moneta/files/Moneta%20Library/German%20East%20Africa%20Coins%20-%20Sandrock.pdf

German E. Africa 1/2 Rupie

Moneta — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 19:47:47 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Since no proofs are listed I'll have to call this a gorgeous proof-like. The colony was established by treaties with local chiefs in 1884. It became a protectorate in 1891 and a full colony in 1897. The territory was established in what then was known as Tanganyika (Tanzania). The colony was lost after WWI. The BEST article on German E. Africa Coins is: German East Africa Coins - Sandrock: https://groups.io/g/Moneta/files/Moneta%20Library/German%20East%20Africa%20Coins%20-%20Sandrock.pdf

German E. Africa Big 5 Heller

Moneta — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 19:42:08 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Nicer in hand than the photo. The colony was established by treaties with local chiefs in 1884. It became a protectorate in 1891 and a full colony in 1897. The territory was established in what then was known as Tanganyika (Tanzania). The colony was lost after WW1. The Heller, of various denominations, were stuck in Berlin [A] and Hamburg [J] until 1914. The large bronze 5 Heller were only struck in 1908/09 at Hamburg. This 1909 had a mintage of 756K. Centered crown, date below. Lettering: DEUTSCH OSTAFRIKA ♦1909♦ Translation: German East Africa Engraver: E. Weigand Reverse: Denomination within wreath. Lettering: 5 HELLER J The BEST article on German E. Africa Coins is: German East Africa Coins - Sandrock: https://groups.io/g/Moneta/files/Moneta%20Library/German%20East%20Africa%20Coins%20-%20Sandrock.pdf

German E. Africa 5 Heller

Moneta — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 19:38:00 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Hard to find this nice. The colony was established by treaties with local chiefs in 1884. It became a protectorate in 1891 and a full colony in 1897. The territory was established in what then was known as Tanganyika (Tanzania). The colony was lost after WWI. Only 200K were struck for this last year of issue - Scarce! The BEST article on German E. Africa Coins is: German East Africa Coins - Sandrock: https://groups.io/g/Moneta/files/Moneta%20Library/German%20East%20Africa%20Coins%20-%20Sandrock.pdf

German E. Africa 1 Rupie

Moneta — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 19:31:32 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Encapsulated by NGC as MS64 - an Eine Rupie of fine distinction from the German East Africa Company. The colony was established by treaties with local chiefs in 1884. It became a protectorate in 1891 and a full colony in 1897. The territory was established in what then was known as Tanganyika (Tanzania). The colony was lost after WW1. Obverse: the German Emperor and on the reverse the coat of arms of the German East Africa Company, a striding lion in front of a palm tree. The fractions were one quarter, one half, one, and a double Rupee, thus matching the local currency. All coins were made on behalf of the German East Africa Company that had the coins manufactured at its own expense in the Berlin Mint. This proved to be a profitable venture. Local businessmen were used to the Rupees heavy fluctuation. The administrative officials, too, were unhappy with the situation. Their salaries were fixed in Mark whereas they received the payment in local currency. A fluctuation of up to 20% within a year made the situation intolerable. Things were so bad that the German Reichstag had to deal with the situation. In 1902, the trading company left the regulation of the monetary situation in the colony to the German government for considerable compensation. In cooperation with the British and the Sultan of Zanzibar the German Rupee was stabilized first; consequently, its value was fixed to 1 Rupee = 1.33 Mark. The new fraction was the Heller equaling 100 to a Rupee. The BEST article on German E. Africa Coins is: German East Africa Coins - Sandrock: https://groups.io/g/Moneta/files/Moneta%20Library/German%20East%20Africa%20Coins%20-%20Sandrock.pdf

German E. Africa 1 Heller

Moneta — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 19:11:11 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Nice red example of Wilhelm II. The colony was established by treaties with local chiefs in 1884. It became a protectorate in 1891 and a full colony in 1897. The territory was established in what then was known as Tanganyika (Tanzania). The colony was lost after WWI. Please see the description under the 5 Heller piece for more information. The BEST article on German E. Africa Coins is: German East Africa Coins - Sandrock: https://groups.io/g/Moneta/files/Moneta%20Library/German%20East%20Africa%20Coins%20-%20Sandrock.pdf

Kiau Chau 10 Cents

Moneta — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 15:40:54 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Take your pick, the former German trading enclave, at the port of Tsingtao (hence the beer) goes by many spellings (see Keyword line). It used to be listed under China in KM, it can be found under a German Colonies listing or, as now, has it's own listing in KM. Following the murder of two missionaries in Shantung in 1897, Germany occupied Kiaochow Bay and then obtained a a 99 year lease on 177 sq. miles of land on the Shantung Peninsula. As part of the first action by the Japanese in WWI they occupied the port in Aug 1914 until 1922. It was re-occupied by Japan in 1938. These scarce coins are usually found no better than extra-fine to AU and are one-year types essential to a German colonies' collection. These were struck under Wilhelm II. Here's a little more info on these: The coinage of Kiaochou is restricted to two pieces thereby making it one of the least prolific fields from which numismatists may collect. Copper nickel coins of twenty-five percent nickel and seventy-five percent copper alloy were struck at the Berlin mint in Germany under the direction of Kaiser Wilhelm's mintmasters. These coins of five and ten cents denomination are all dated 1909 and bear on their obverse a German spread eagle with the inscription "Deutsch Kiautschou Gebiet" (German Kiaochou Territory) above and the date "1909" below. The coins' value appears to the left and right of the eagle. The reverse of these coins contain the Chinese inscription "Ta Der Guo Bao" (Germany's currency) within an inner circle, and "Kiautschou, Ching Tao" (Kiaochou, Tsingtao) which appears in the border. The diameter of the five cent piece is 19mm, while that of the ten cent coin is 22mm. Mintage was restricted to 610,000 five cent and 670,000 ten cent pieces. The value of these coins was calculated on the basis of 100 cents being equal to one Mexican silver dollar. The Germans made these coins the sole legal tender coinage in the colony, forcing the Chinese to use them to the exclusion of Chinese coins circulating elsewhere. In addition to the 5 & 10 Cent coins numerous notes and notgeld were issued. A 20 Pfennig brass "kantine" token was also issued by the Naval Artillery Detachments in Tsingtao during the early 1900's. These were used only at the base canteen. Contact me if you need more information on the fiat paper money - we generally don't do paper at the Moneta Gallery. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: For the BEST article on Kiau Chau download this illustrated article: German Colony of Kiaochou China - Sandrock: https://groups.io/g/Moneta/files/Moneta%20Library/German%20Colony%20of%20Kiaochou%20China%20-%20Sandrock.pdf

Kiau Chau - 5 Cents 1909 MS64

Moneta — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 15:27:02 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Take your pick, the former German trading enclave, at the port of Tsingtao (hence the beer) goes by many spellings. It used to be listed under China in KM, it can be found under a German Colonies listing or, as now, has it's own listing in KM. Following the murder of two missionaries in Shantung in 1897, Germany occupied Kiaochow Bay and then obtained a a 99 year lease on 177 sq. miles of land on the Shantung Peninsula. As part of the first action by the Japanese in WWI they occupied the port in Aug 1914 until 1922. It was re-occupied by Japan in 1938. These scarce coins are usually found no better than extra-fine to AU and are one-year types essential to a German colonies' collection. These were struck under Wilhelm II. Here's a little more info on these: The coinage of Kiaochou is restricted to two pieces thereby making it one of the least prolific fields from which numismatists may collect. Copper nickel coins of twenty-five percent nickel and seventy-five percent copper alloy were struck at the Berlin mint in Germany under the direction of Kaiser Wilhelm's mintmasters. These coins of five and ten cents denomination are all dated 1909 and bear on their obverse a German spread eagle with the inscription "Deutsch Kiautschou Gebiet" (German Kiaochou Territory) above and the date "1909" below. The coins' value appears to the left and right of the eagle. The reverse of these coins contain the Chinese inscription "Ta Der Guo Bao" (Germany's currency) within an inner circle, and "Kiautschou, Ching Tao" (Kiaochou, Tsingtao) which appears in the border. The diameter of the five cent piece is 19mm, while that of the ten cent coin is 22mm. Mintage was restricted to 610,000 five cent and 670,000 ten cent pieces. The value of these coins was calculated on the basis of 100 cents being equal to one Mexican silver dollar. The Germans made these coins the sole legal tender coinage in the colony, forcing the Chinese to use them to the exclusion of Chinese coins circulating elsewhere. In addition to the 5 & 10 Cent coins numerous notes and notgeld were issued. A 20 Pfennig brass "kantine" token was also issued by the Naval Artillery Detachments in Tsingtao during the early 1900's. These were used only at the base canteen. Contact me if you need more information on the fiat paper money - we generally don't do paper at the Moneta Gallery. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: For the BEST article on Kiau Chau download this illustrated article: German Colony of Kiaochou China - Sandrock: https://groups.io/g/Moneta/files/Moneta%20Library/German%20Colony%20of%20Kiaochou%20China%20-%20Sandrock.pdf