2 1/2 Silbergroschen - Paul Frederick August

Oldenburg-Birkenfeld was a tiny exclave principality wedged between Prussian and Bavarian territory, administratively awkward and financially constrained throughout its existence. Paul Frederick August ruled until his death in 1853, meaning this 1858 issue was struck five years posthumously — a routine practice in German minor states where dies were retained and coinage continued under a deceased ruler's authority until political absorption made it moot. Birkenfeld was absorbed into Prussia following the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.