Catalog
| Issuer | German East Africa |
|---|---|
| Year | 1904-1914 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Rupee |
| Currency | Decimalized Rupee (1904-1916) |
| Composition | Silver (.917) |
| Weight | 11.6638 g |
| Diameter | 30.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Obverse: Emil Weigand Reverse: Otto Schultz |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#10, Schön#13 |
| Obverse description | Helmeted half-length figure in uniform facing left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | GUILELMUS II IMPERATOR |
| Reverse description | Value within palm branches. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
DEUTSCH OSTAFRIKA 1 RUPIE 1904 A (Translation: German East Africa) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1904 A - - 1 000 000 1904 A - Proof - 150 1905 A - - 300 000 1905 A - Proof - 1905 J - - 1 000 000 1905 J - Proof - 1906 A - - 950 000 1906 J - - 700 000 1907 J - - 880 000 1908 J - - 500 000 1908 J - Proof - 1909 A - - 200 000 1910 J - - 270 000 1911 A - - 300 000 1911 A - Proof - 1911 J - - 1 400 000 1911 J - Proof - 1912 J - - 300 000 1912 J - Proof - 1913 A - - 400 000 1913 J - - 1 400 000 1913 J - Proof - 1914 J - - 500 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 1151195880 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1 Rupie coin, issued for German East Africa from 1904 to 1914, embodies the peak of German colonial ambition under Kaiser Wilhelm II. As Germany’s largest colony, German East Africa required stable currency for trade and to solidify imperial control. These silver Rupien, replacing older foreign currencies, were a direct manifestation of German economic and political dominance, symbolizing the Kaiser’s authority across vast African territories before World War I.
Artistry: The design reflects the official Wilhelminian aesthetic, blending imperial grandeur and realism. The obverse features a dignified bust of Wilhelm II, likely based on official portraits by prominent German medallists, typically facing right and exuding imperial gravitas. The reverse proudly displays the robust German imperial eagle, a potent symbol of state power, encircled by the colonial name and denomination, underscoring Germany's sovereignty over its East African possessions.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .917 fine silver, this large coin (30.5 mm, 11.6638 gg) generally exhibits a strong strike from imperial German mints. Key high-points susceptible to wear on the obverse include Wilhelm II’s hair and uniform details, particularly epaulets. On the reverse, critical areas for assessing wear are the eagle’s breast feathers, wingtips, and any crown details. Collectors should seek examples with sharp definition in these areas, indicating minimal circulation and a well-preserved strike.