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The German States Prussia 1 Groschen coin dated 1869, cataloged as KM#485 and bearing the “A” mintmark of the Berlin Mint, is a silver coin from a pivotal period in Prussian and German history. Struck in .250 fine silver, this small yet historically significant piece circulated in the years immediately preceding the formation of the German Empire. In Very Fine (VF) condition, the 1869-A 1 Groschen coin presents strong remaining detail and balanced wear, offering collectors a well-preserved example of late-Prussian silver fractional currency before the transition to a unified imperial system in 1871.
Prussia in 1869 stood on the cusp of transforming the political map of Europe. Following its victory over Austria in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, Prussia consolidated power in the North German Confederation and began laying the groundwork for national unification. The issuance of the 1 Groschen in 1869 reflects a monetary system still rooted in traditional denominations like the Vereinsthaler and Groschen, even as preparations were underway for the introduction of the gold mark-based currency that would define the German Empire after 1871. This coin was a small but essential part of daily commerce, widely used across Prussian territories by citizens during a period of growing nationalism and modernization.
The obverse of the coin features the inscription “SCHEIDE MÜNZE” along the top rim, a designation used to identify subsidiary coinage—money issued with a face value above its metal content but still recognized as legal tender. Below this is the central denomination “1 GROSCHEN,” followed by the date “1869” and the mintmark “A,” indicating production at the Berlin Mint. In Very Fine condition, the legends and numerals remain fully legible, though the high points may exhibit moderate flattening from use. The fields are typically smoothed by circulation, but free of major nicks or corrosion, giving the coin a clean, aged appearance with balanced detail and tone.
The reverse design showcases the regal crowned Prussian eagle, wings outstretched, with a flowing chest banner bearing the royal cipher “WR,” signifying “Wilhelm Rex,” in honor of King Wilhelm I. The eagle holds a scepter and orb, with finely feathered wings and a bold crown. In VF condition, much of the eagle’s silhouette is still clear, with minor wear on the tips of the wings and central details. The chest device and overall composition remain well-defined, and the coin retains its proud heraldic bearing. The beaded border around the rim may show minor flattening, but the design elements remain harmoniously balanced.
This 1 Groschen coin was struck in .250 fine silver, with a diameter of 17 mm and a weight of approximately 1.17 grams. It represents the tail end of an era when small silver coins were still viable for everyday commerce. The choice of silver provided a sense of intrinsic value and trust in a time when Prussia was asserting itself as the leader of German unification. Although the silver content was low, the use of precious metal—even in small coins—demonstrated the stability of the Prussian economy and its strong minting tradition.
The mintmark “A” denotes the Berlin Mint, the principal minting facility of the Prussian state. Berlin's output was known for its consistency and quality, and coins struck there during the 1860s and early 1870s helped lay the foundation for the uniform standards later adopted by the German Empire. The 1869 date is especially notable, as it represents the final full year before the unification war with France in 1870–71. Coins from this specific year are valued for their timing, being part of the last phase of exclusive Prussian coinage prior to the sweeping monetary reforms of the imperial period.
In VF condition, the 1869-A 1 Groschen shows clear wear on the highest design elements but retains attractive and legible surfaces throughout. The silver often exhibits a uniform medium-gray patina, occasionally accented by darker toning in the recessed areas. The coin’s rims are typically full or nearly full, and the lack of major scratches or discoloration indicates that it circulated moderately but was preserved with care. For collectors seeking coins with historical presence and visual integrity, VF is an ideal balance between affordability and character.
The 1 Groschen denomination was a familiar and trusted unit in Prussian commerce, with roots going back to medieval Germany. By the late 1860s, it had become part of the structured decimal system used in conjunction with the Vereinsthaler, and 30 Groschen equaled one Thaler. The introduction of the new imperial gold mark in 1871 would phase out these older denominations, making the 1869 issue one of the last examples of Prussian currency to reflect the pre-imperial monetary traditions of northern Germany.
Collectors of German States coinage, especially those focusing on Prussia, consider the 1869-A 1 Groschen a must-have for its silver content, elegant design, and historical placement. It also appeals to enthusiasts of transitional coinage and political history, as it offers a snapshot of the final chapter of regional sovereignty before German unification. While common in lower grades, VF examples with even wear, attractive toning, and clear mintmarks are increasingly sought after by those building mid-grade type sets or assembling full denomination runs of Prussian silver coins.
The German States Prussia 1 Groschen 1869A KM#485 in Very Fine silver condition is a small yet meaningful coin that embodies a critical moment in European history. Struck just before the dawn of a new German identity, it remains a tangible piece of the Kingdom of Prussia’s legacy. With its noble eagle, dignified inscriptions, and silver sheen, it reflects both the tradition and transformation that characterized 19th-century German numismatics and political evolution.