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The German States Prussia 1 Groschen coin dated 1863, cataloged as KM#485 and struck at the Berlin Mint (mintmark “A”), is a silver coin from the mid-19th century that reflects the economic and political power of the Kingdom of Prussia during the pre-unification period. Minted in .250 fine silver, the 1 Groschen was a fractional denomination used for daily transactions in Prussia’s evolving decimal monetary system. In Very Fine (VF) condition, this piece retains strong detail in its design elements, while showing moderate, honest wear consistent with circulation. As both a silver coin and a product of one of the most powerful German states of the era, it holds strong appeal among collectors of German and European numismatics.
Prussia in 1863 was in the final decade of its independent coinage, as the formation of the German Empire under Prussian leadership would begin in 1871. At the time, Prussia operated within the Vereinsthaler currency system, which was based on a silver standard and included denominations such as the Groschen and Silbergroschen. The 1 Groschen equaled 1/30 of a Vereinsthaler and served as a practical denomination for small to moderate daily expenditures. Silver content was maintained for these coins to preserve trust and stability in the monetary system.
The obverse of the 1863 1 Groschen features the legend “SCHEIDE MÜNZE” arching at the top, meaning “subsidiary coinage,” to indicate that the piece was of lesser intrinsic value than face value but fully legal tender. Centered below is the bold denomination “1 GROSCHEN,” followed by the year “1863” and the mintmark “A” at the bottom, identifying Berlin as the issuing mint. In VF condition, the inscriptions remain completely legible, though the fields exhibit moderate smoothing from circulation. The raised elements—particularly the numerals and lettering—retain much of their structure, with only slight flattening visible on closer inspection.
The reverse features the crowned Prussian imperial eagle, wings spread, bearing a central shield emblazoned with the royal cipher “WR” for “Wilhelm Rex.” The eagle clutches a scepter and orb, with finely rendered feathers and scrollwork throughout. In VF grade, the eagle remains fully identifiable, with the outline and central motifs sharp, though finer details such as feathering and facial definition show moderate wear. The crown and limbs remain visible, and the overall presentation of the royal crest retains its dignity and symmetry, even with honest surface wear from decades of circulation.
The coin was struck in .250 fine silver with a diameter of 17 mm and a weight of approximately 1.17 grams. Its modest size and silver content made it ideal for day-to-day use, and it circulated widely throughout Prussia’s territories. The use of silver in low-denomination coinage such as this was declining by the 1860s, as nations increasingly shifted to base-metal subsidiary coinage to reflect cost efficiencies and industrial advancements. However, Prussia retained silver in this 1 Groschen issue, making it one of the last of its kind before the widespread adoption of copper and bronze coinage for small denominations.
The mintmark “A” indicates production at the Berlin Mint, which was the primary mint of the Prussian Kingdom and would later serve as one of the leading mints for the German Empire. Berlin's coinage was known for its consistency and quality, and 1863 issues from the Berlin facility are sharply struck and widely collected. While the 1 Groschen 1863-A is not rare, it becomes more appealing in solid collectible grades like VF, where most of the original design is visible and undamaged, yet still clearly a product of active circulation.
The coin represents a time of relative stability and growing power for Prussia, just a few years before Otto von Bismarck's leadership would unite Germany through diplomacy and military action. Currency like this circulated among soldiers, farmers, merchants, and civil servants—playing a direct role in the economic engine that helped make Prussia the leader of the future German Empire. As such, it serves not only as money but as a historical document, carrying the symbols of national pride, authority, and statehood.
In Very Fine condition, the coin shows even wear on the highest points, yet retains strong eye appeal. The silver has typically mellowed into a medium-gray tone, sometimes with attractive darker patina in the recessed areas and lighter high points from natural handling. There may be small contact marks or minor abrasions, but these are consistent with the grade and time spent in use. The rims are generally intact, and all central features remain clear and free of heavy damage.
Collectors of German states coinage, silver type sets, or Prussian monetary history will find the 1863-A 1 Groschen a significant and accessible addition. Its silver composition, pre-unification date, and enduring Prussian imagery make it suitable for a variety of historical and thematic collections. As the Kingdom of Prussia's monetary practices gave way to imperial standardization, coins like this offer tangible connections to a unique era of national identity and fiscal sovereignty.
The German States Prussia 1 Groschen 1863A KM#485 in Very Fine silver condition is a classic small-denomination coin with a big historical footprint. With its bold yet refined design, moderate silver content, and association with Prussia’s ascension to empire, it provides both visual charm and historical depth. It is a fitting example of 19th-century European coinage and a compelling piece of the numismatic story that led to the unification of Germany.