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German East Africa Coins

The monetary history of German East Africa is fascinating and reflects the political and economic changes in the region. From the late 19th to the early 20th century, this German colony experienced various monetary systems that left a unique numismatic legacy.

Coins used in German East Africa

Initially, the rupee was the official currency of German East Africa, divided into 100 heller. In 1890, the first colony-specific coins were minted, including copper and silver pieces. The most emblematic coin was the silver rupee, which showed the German imperial eagle on the obverse and the face value on the reverse. During World War I, emergency coins made of brass were issued due to the shortage of precious metals.

Numismatic milestones

A numismatic highlight in the region was the issuance of banknotes by the Deutsch-Ostafrikanische Bank starting in 1905. These banknotes, denominated in rupees, featured elaborate designs with local motifs and German imperial symbols. Following Germany's defeat in World War I, the East African pound replaced the rupee in 1920, marking the end of the German monetary era in the region. German East African coins and banknotes are now highly coveted pieces by collectors, due to their rarity and historical significance.

If you are a passionate collector, this catalog offers the possibility to create your own personal collection. You can add your coins and generate a free PDF catalog from a complete database and our management tools. In addition, once registered, you will have the opportunity to exchange coins with other collectors around the world easily and free of charge.

📢 German East Africa is a country that does not exist today. It is now part of the Germany coins.

The most valuable coins

The most valuable German East Africa coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:

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The valuation of these coins has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.

Swapping available Note the coins labelled with this message, it means that there are collectors who have that coin and are willing to make a swap. Visit their collection from their personal page.

Coin Catalog

1 pesa

FO#8038 KM#1
Price: 1,92€ - 15,54€
Year: 1890-1892
Weight: 6,21 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 25,20 mm
Edge: Smooth

1 rupie

FO#8037 KM#2
Year: 1890-1902
Weight: 11,66 g
Composition: Silver
Diameter: 30,00 mm
Edge: Ribbed

1/4 rupie

FO#8045 KM#3
Year: 1891-1901
Weight: 2,92 g
Composition: Silver
Diameter: 19,00 mm
Edge: Ribbed

1/2 rupie

FO#8046 KM#4
Year: 1891-1901
Weight: 5,83 g
Composition: Silver
Diameter: 25,00 mm
Edge: Ribbed

2 rupien

FO#8047 KM#5
Price: 3,00€
Year: 1893-1894
Weight: 23,32 g
Composition: Silver (0,917)
Diameter: 35,00 mm
Edge: Ribbed

1/2 heller

FO#8039 KM#6
Price: 5,91€ - 27,29€
Year: 1904-1906
Weight: 2,49 g
Composition: Bronze
Diameter: 17,60 mm
Edge: Smooth

1 heller

FO#8040 KM#7
Price: 6,00€ - 25,00€
Year: 1904-1913
Weight: 4,50 g
Composition: Bronze
Diameter: 20,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/4 rupie

FO#8041 KM#8
Year: 1904-1914
Weight: 2,92 g
Composition: Silver
Diameter: 19,00 mm
Edge: Ribbed

1/2 rupie

FO#8042 KM#9
Year: 1904-1914
Weight: 5,83 g
Composition: Silver
Diameter: 25,00 mm
Edge: Ribbed

1 rupie

FO#8043 KM#10
Price: 55,00€
Year: 1904-1914
Weight: 11,66 g
Composition: Silver
Diameter: 30,00 mm
Edge: Ribbed

5 heller

FO#8044 KM#11
Year: 1908-1909
Weight: 20,00 g
Composition: Bronze
Diameter: 37,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

10 heller

FO#8048 KM#12
Year: 1908-1914
Weight: 5,84 g
Composition: Copper-nickel
Diameter: 26,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

5 heller

FO#8050 KM#13
Year: 1913-1914
Weight: 3,12 g
Composition: Copper-nickel
Diameter: 21,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

5 heller

FO#8051 KM#14.1
Year: 1916
Weight: 3,04 g
Composition: Brass
Diameter: 22,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

5 heller

FO#8053 KM#14.2
Year: 1916
Weight: 3,40 g
Composition: Brass
Diameter: 22,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

20 heller

FO#15321 KM#15a
Year: 1916
Weight: 11,50 g
Composition: Brass
Diameter: 29,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

20 heller

FO#8057 KM#15
Year: 1916
Weight: 11,50 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 29,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

15 rupien

FO#8058 KM#16.1
Year: 1916
Weight: 7,16 g
Composition: Gold (0,750)
Diameter: 22,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

15 rupien

FO#8059 KM#16.2
Year: 1916
Weight: 7,16 g
Composition: Gold (0,750)
Diameter: 22,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

Other resources to find coins and banknotes of German East Africa

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