German East Africa 5 Heller

May 2026

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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.
During the First World War, military operations were conducted not only in Europe, but also on the African continent. The Germans acted as the defending side, having a number of colonial possessions here, some of which were called German East Africa (Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and northern Mozambique. Despite the small size of the colonial army, the Germans effectively resisted the British and Portuguese and even transferred the fighting to enemy territory. However, the connection with the metropolis was cut off. Accordingly, there was a shortage of cash, which had to be done something. and so, in 1916 in the city of Tabore (located in the territory of modern Tanzania) was organized mint. It was placed in the building of the workshop of the postal railway of the German East African Bank. The staff of the Tabor mint consisted of 15 people - 2 Indians, 6 blacks and 7 Sinhala (Ceylon) goldsmiths. Among his products were the 20-heller coins minted in 1916. (Uncle Eugene, Numista Forum)
A primary source for information is this monograph; VIEW & DOWNLOAD:
German East Africa Coins - Sandrock: [ link ]