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1/2 Mark - Wilhelm I Pattern
| Issuer | Germany (1871-1948) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1877 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1/2 Mark |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The denomination '1/2 MARK' expressed as a large fractional numeral occupies the central field, enclosed within a wreath of oak leaves tied at the base with a ribbon bow. The date '1877' appears in the exergue below the wreath tie. The legend 'DEUTSCHES REICH' curves along the upper periphery, with a beaded border encircling the entire design. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Reeded |
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| Additional information |
Pattern coinage from the newly unified German Empire's early years occupies a peculiar position — these pieces were struck to test designs, dies, or planchet specifications before committing to full production runs, and most never received official sanction for circulation. Whether this particular piece was a Probe for die trials or a presentation striking remains a question the surviving documentation at the Berlin Mint does not cleanly answer.
The 1/2 Mark denomination had only been codified under the Imperial coinage law of 1873, standardizing silver across the formerly fragmented German states for the first time.