20 Heller - Wilhelm II Tabora Emergency Coinage
| İhraççı | German East Africa |
|---|---|
| Yıl | 1916 |
| Tür | Emergency coin |
| Değer | 20 Heller (0.20) |
| Para birimi | Decimalized Rupee (1904-1916) |
| Bileşim | Brass |
| Ağırlık | 11.64 g |
| Çap | 29 mm |
| Kalınlık | |
| Şekil | Round |
| Teknik | |
| Yönlendirme | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Gravürcü(ler) | |
| Dolaşımda olduğu yıl | |
| Referans(lar) | KM#15a |
| Ön yüz açıklaması | Crown with ribbon above date |
|---|---|
| Ön yüz yazısı | Latin |
| Ön yüz lejandı |
♦1916♦ -DOA- T (Translation: German East Africa) |
| Arka yüz açıklaması | Denomination within wreath |
| Arka yüz yazısı | Latin |
| Arka yüz lejandı | 20 HELLER |
| Kenar | Plain |
| Darphane |
T Tabora, Tanzania (1916) |
| Basma adedi |
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 Kimliği | 1506932200 |
| Ek bilgiler |
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Historical Context: The 20 Heller 1916 Tabora Emergency Coinage is a poignant relic of German East Africa's isolation during World War I. Under Emperor Wilhelm II, the colonial administration, cut off by Allied blockades, faced a severe currency crisis. Produced in Tabora, this brass issue was vital for maintaining economic stability and paying troops under Colonel Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck. Following earlier gold and copper issues, it symbolizes the desperate resourcefulness of German forces amidst impending defeat.
Artistry: The artistic execution of this emergency coinage reflects its utilitarian purpose, not refined aesthetics. Lacking professional engravers and advanced minting equipment, designs were likely crafted by local artisans or military personnel. The obverse features a simplified Imperial German Eagle, a direct, if crude, representation of authority. The reverse displays "20 HELLER" and "1916," often with irregular lettering, embodying a functional, almost folk-art style born of dire necessity.
Technical/Grading: The technical characteristics of the Tabora emergency issues are inherently crude due to improvised production. Strikes are frequently weak, uneven, and off-center, indicative of rudimentary presses or hand-striking. Planchets often exhibit irregular shapes, laminations, and rough edges, common for hastily prepared brass stock. High-points for wear assessment include the eagle's head and breast feathers on the obverse, and the raised numerals and lettering on the reverse. Expect significant variability in strike quality and planchet integrity.