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The German States Bremen 2½ Schwaren coin dated 1861, cataloged as KM#234, is a fascinating relic from the era of pre-unification Germany, when dozens of independent states issued their own coinage. Struck in copper and issued by the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, this small-denomination coin circulated widely in northern Germany before the formation of the German Empire in 1871. The 2½ Schwaren denomination reflects a now-obsolete currency system unique to the region. In Very Fine (VF) condition, this coin shows moderate wear consistent with circulation but retains strong design detail, especially in the heraldic and inscriptional elements.
Bremen, a prominent member of the Hanseatic League and later one of the three Hanseatic free cities alongside Hamburg and Lübeck, had a long history of independent economic and monetary activity. As a self-governing city-state within the German Confederation, Bremen issued its own coinage to meet local commercial needs. The 2½ Schwaren piece is one of the last small copper coins minted before Bremen adopted the unified mark system under the newly formed German Empire. The year 1861 places this coin firmly in the transitional period of German numismatics, during a time of growing nationalist sentiment and political restructuring.
The obverse of the coin prominently features the coat of arms of Bremen—a large key pointing upward and to the right, symbolizing the city’s historic role as the “keeper of the keys” to northern trade and maritime access. The key is placed within a decorative shield, which is crowned and flanked by a beaded border around the edge. In Very Fine condition, the key design is still clearly visible with only modest smoothing along the edges of the shield and crown. The fields surrounding the device are worn but free of major blemishes, and the border remains mostly intact, providing a solid frame for the central image.
The reverse is inscribed with “2½ SCHWAREN” at center in bold serif lettering, with the date “1861” placed below and encircled by a wreath of oak leaves. The upper periphery reads “FREIE HANSESTADT BREMEN,” declaring the issuing authority. In VF condition, the lettering remains fully legible, although some softening of the finer elements—such as the inner veins of the oak leaves—may be present due to circulation. The coin's reddish-brown copper surfaces often display a uniform tone, possibly with hints of darker patina forming in the recessed areas, giving the coin a warm and dignified appearance.
The coin was struck in copper, measuring approximately 22 mm in diameter and weighing around 3.5 grams. It has a plain edge and was struck using traditional screw press techniques employed at mints in the mid-19th century. While copper coins of this type were intended for daily use in local transactions, the relatively small mintage and localized circulation have made well-preserved examples increasingly scarce. Most surviving specimens show significant wear, and finding one in Very Fine or better condition is a challenge, especially with even toning and damage-free surfaces.
As a 2½ Schwaren piece, this coin represents a denomination specific to Bremen and a few other north German states. The Schwaren was a small-value coin used primarily in day-to-day commerce. The fractional denomination—2½ rather than a whole number—reflects the complexity of regional monetary systems prior to unification. It took 5 Schwaren to make 1 Grote, and 5 Groten made 1 Schilling, and so on, with each state having its own ratios. Coins like this offer collectors a glimpse into the intricate and often confusing patchwork of currencies that once defined Germany before the adoption of the gold mark in 1871.
The 1861 date is one of the last years the 2½ Schwaren was minted before Bremen began phasing out local coinage in favor of a more centralized currency system. The unification of Germany a decade later would bring monetary standardization, making coins like this obsolete and eventually collectible. Their survival tells the story of an independent city-state with a proud merchant tradition, striving to maintain its autonomy during a period of sweeping political and economic change across Europe.
Collectors of German States coinage highly value pieces like the Bremen 2½ Schwaren for their historical significance, distinct design, and regional identity. These coins are essential for building a comprehensive collection of 19th-century German coinage, particularly for those focusing on the Hanseatic cities or the North German Confederation period. In Very Fine condition, this coin maintains clear and attractive features while bearing the evidence of its original role in the daily economy of a vibrant, seafaring city.
While not rare in the absolute sense, higher-grade examples with even surfaces and natural patina are becoming harder to locate. Many pieces suffer from corrosion or environmental damage due to the coin’s copper composition and extended time in circulation. Thus, an undamaged VF example with solid detail and good color stands as a respectable and collectible piece for both seasoned and new numismatists interested in German state coinage.
The German States Bremen 2½ Schwaren 1861 KM#234 in Very Fine condition is a compact yet meaningful artifact of pre-unification Germany. With its finely detailed coat of arms, historical denomination, and enduring connection to a maritime republic, it encapsulates a distinct chapter of European history and monetary diversity. As a collector’s item, it offers the charm of a bygone era in tangible form—modest in size, but rich in narrative and numismatic value.