1 Rupie - Wilhelm II

Emisor German East Africa
Año 1904-1914
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor 1 Rupee
Moneda Decimalized Rupee (1904-1916)
Composición Silver (.917)
Peso 11.6638 g
Diámetro 30.5 mm
Grosor
Forma Round
Técnica Milled
Orientación Medal alignment ↑↑
Grabador(es) Obverse: Emil Weigand
Reverse: Otto Schultz
En circulación hasta
Referencia(s) KM#10, Schön#13
Descripción del anverso Helmeted half-length figure in uniform facing left.
Escritura del anverso Latin
Leyenda del anverso GUILELMUS II IMPERATOR
Descripción del reverso Value within palm branches.
Escritura del reverso Latin
Leyenda del reverso DEUTSCH OSTAFRIKA 1 RUPIE 1904 A
(Translation: German East Africa)
Canto Reeded
Casa de moneda
Tirada 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
ID de Numisquare 1151195880
Información adicional

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.

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