20 Heller - Wilhelm II Tabora Emergency Coinage

Uitgever German East Africa
Jaar 1916
Type Emergency coin
Waarde 20 Heller (0.20)
Valuta Decimalized Rupee (1904-1916)
Samenstelling Brass
Gewicht 11.64 g
Diameter 29 mm
Dikte
Vorm Round
Techniek
Oriëntatie Medal alignment ↑↑
Graveur(s)
In omloop tot
Referentie(s) KM#15a
Beschrijving voorzijde Crown with ribbon above date
Schrift voorzijde Latin
Opschrift voorzijde ♦1916♦ -DOA- T
(Translation: German East Africa)
Beschrijving keerzijde Denomination within wreath
Schrift keerzijde Latin
Opschrift keerzijde 20 HELLER
Rand Plain
Muntplaats T
Tabora, Tanzania (1916)
Oplage 1916 T - Obverse A and reverse A; Curled tip on second L - 1 600 000
1916 T - Obverse A and reverse B; Pointed tips on L`s -
1916 T - Obverse A and reverse C; Curled tips on L`s -
1916 T - Obverse B and reverse A; Curled tip on second L -
1916 T - Obverse B and reverse B; Pointed tips on L`s -
1916 T - Obverse B and reverse C; Curled tips on L`s -
Numisquare-ID 1506932200
Aanvullende informatie

Historical Context: The 1916 20 Heller Tabora Emergency Coinage represents a critical phase for German East Africa during World War I. Issued under Emperor Wilhelm II, this brass coin was a desperate measure by Governor Schnee as Allied forces advanced. With supply lines severed, German forces under Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck established an emergency mint in Tabora. This coinage was vital for paying troops and sustaining local commerce, symbolizing a defiant assertion of German authority amidst the colony's imminent collapse.

Artistry: The 20 Heller's design reflects its utilitarian, emergency origins, rather than high European artistry. The specific engraver is unrecorded, with the style being pragmatic and functional, likely executed by local artisans or military personnel. The obverse features the crowned imperial monogram "WII" (Wilhelm II) and the date "1916," firmly linking it to the German Empire. The reverse prominently displays a charging elephant, a powerful African symbol, alongside the "20 HELLER" denomination, resonating locally.

Technical/Grading: Struck in brass, this 20 Heller coin measures 29 millimeters and weighs 11.64 grams (KM#15a). Emergency production often yields variable strike quality, with some examples exhibiting crude planchets and uneven strikes. For grading, key high-points for wear include the elephant's head, tusks, and back on the reverse, and the crown and raised elements of the "WII" monogram on the obverse. Brass composition makes it susceptible to environmental toning.

×