Catalogue
| Émetteur | German East Africa |
|---|---|
| Année | 1904-1913 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 1 Heller (0.01) |
| Devise | Decimalized Rupee (1904-1916) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Poids | 4.0 g |
| Diamètre | 20.0 mm |
| Épaisseur | 1.65 mm |
| Forme | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | KM#7, Schön#7 |
| Description de l’avers | German Imperial crown |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers |
DEUTSCH OSTAFRIKA 1904 (Translation: German East Africa) |
| Description du revers | Value within wreath. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers | 1 HELLER A |
| Tranche | Plain |
| Atelier |
A Berlin, Germany (1280-date) J Hamburgische Münze, Germany(801-date) |
| Tirage |
1904 A - - 10 256 000 1904 A - Proof - 1904 J - - 2 500 000 1905 A - - 3 760 000 1905 A - Proof - 95 1905 J - - 7 556 000 1906 A - - 3 004 000 1906 A - Proof - 15 1906 J - - 1 962 000 1907 J - - 17 790 000 1907 J - Proof - 1908 J - - 12 205 000 1908 J - Proof - 1909 J - - 1 698 000 1909 J - Proof - 1910 J - - 5 096 000 1910 J - Proof - 1911 J - - 6 420 000 1911 J - Proof - 1912 J - - 7 012 000 1912 J - Proof - 1913 A - - 1913 A - Proof - 1913 J - - 5 186 000 1913 J - Proof - |
| ID Numisquare | 7962847340 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: The 1 Heller coin, issued for German East Africa (1904-1913), directly reflects German imperial ambition under Kaiser Wilhelm II. His reign (1888-1918) saw Germany's peak colonial expansion, with Deutsch-Ostafrika its largest and most vital possession. This coinage established a unified monetary system, replacing diverse currencies and solidifying German administrative and economic control amidst intense European colonial rivalry. The Heller, a fractional unit, was crucial for daily commerce, underscoring Germany's economic penetration and administrative presence in its East African colony.
Artistry: The 1 Heller's design exemplifies the standard German Imperial numismatic aesthetic. Though specific engravers are uncredited for colonial issues, the stylistic school is clearly that of the Berlin Mint, prioritizing clarity and national symbolism. The obverse features the imposing crowned Imperial Eagle, the German Empire's quintessential emblem, encircled by the legend "DEUTSCH OSTAFRIKA" and the date. The reverse displays the denomination "1 HELLER" within an elegant wreath, surmounted by another imperial crown, signifying direct imperial authority and reinforcing the coin's governmental origin.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze (4.0 gg, 20.0 mm), the 1 Heller exhibits utilitarian circulation strike qualities. For grading, critical high-points on the obverse include the intricate details of the Imperial Crown atop the eagle's head and the definition of its breast feathers. On the reverse, the details of the crown above the value and the individual leaves of the surrounding wreath are key wear indicators. These pieces generally show a robust strike, though finer details can be shallow, with wear first manifesting on these elevated areas, impacting sharpness and overall appeal.