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The German States Prussia 3 Pfennig coin dated 1867, cataloged as KM#482 and struck at the Hannover Mint (mintmark “B”), is a well-preserved, copper coin from a transformative period in German history. Graded as Uncirculated (UNC) with a Brown (BN) color designation, this example displays crisp details, full mint luster beneath mellowed copper surfaces, and no trace of circulation wear. Issued by the Kingdom of Prussia just four years before the unification of Germany in 1871, the 3 Pfennig denomination represents both a practical small-change coin and a historical artifact tied to one of Europe’s most powerful states during the 19th century.
Prussia, under the leadership of King Wilhelm I and Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, played a dominant role in the military and political unification of the German states. In the years leading up to this consolidation, each German state—including Prussia—continued to issue its own coinage, and the 3 Pfennig coin was a minor but essential component of Prussia’s decimalized monetary system, based on the Vereinsthaler. These copper coins were designed for daily transactions, such as buying bread or produce, and circulated widely across the Prussian territories.
The obverse of the 1867 3 Pfennig features a simple and authoritative inscription centered within a raised rim: “SCHEIDE MÜNZE” (meaning “token coinage” or “subsidiary coin”), with the denomination “3 PFENNIG” boldly displayed below. Under the denomination appears the year “1867” and, at the very bottom, the mintmark “B,” denoting the Hannover Mint. In UNC condition, the legends are deeply struck and well-centered, with even fields showing only minor mellowing of the original red luster into a smooth, chocolate-brown hue. The raised lettering retains full sharpness, with crisp angles and clean separation from the fields.
The reverse displays the crowned imperial Prussian eagle, with outstretched wings, a scepter and orb in its talons, and a flowing chest banner bearing the royal monogram “WR”—an abbreviation for Wilhelm Rex (King Wilhelm). This side of the coin is visually striking, particularly in uncirculated condition, where the fine feathering, crown details, and scepter points remain completely intact. The coin’s rim is strong and unbroken, with a beaded border surrounding the design, further enhancing the bold presentation of Prussian regalia. In this Brown UNC example, the fields are smooth and lustrous, showing subtle cartwheel effects under light.
The 3 Pfennig was struck in copper with a diameter of 17 mm and a weight of approximately 2.11 grams. The choice of copper for small denominations was standard for the era, allowing these coins to be produced in large numbers while still being practical for the lower economic classes. The color designation “BN” (Brown) reflects natural toning from age and atmospheric exposure, typical of original copper coins that have not been cleaned or artificially enhanced. Brown coins in UNC condition like this one are prized for their originality, surface preservation, and historical authenticity.
The year 1867 is significant in Prussian and German history. It followed the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, which had positioned Prussia as the dominant German power after defeating Austria and establishing the North German Confederation. The issuance of coins like this one in 1867 reflects both a continuation of established Prussian numismatic traditions and the dawn of a new political order that would culminate in the German Empire under Wilhelm I in 1871. Thus, this coin marks the boundary between an independent Prussian monetary system and the unified mark-based currency that would follow shortly thereafter.
Minted at the Hannover facility, the “B” mintmark adds an additional layer of regional interest. After the annexation of the Kingdom of Hanover by Prussia in 1866, the Hannover Mint became one of the facilities producing coinage for Prussia. As such, 1867 issues with the “B” mark represent some of the first Prussian coins produced using former Hanoverian resources, blending the numismatic histories of two distinct German regions. Coins from this mint are well-executed and collectible, with the 3 Pfennig denomination offering particularly appealing symmetry and engraving clarity.
In UNC condition, the coin displays no signs of wear to the devices or legends. The surfaces may feature light toning or minor natural spotting, but no rub, abrasions, or flatness interrupt the clarity of the design. The high points of the eagle and lettering are sharply preserved, and the fields are smooth and free of contact marks or blemishes. These characteristics reflect careful handling and long-term preservation, often seen in coins stored in archival albums, mint rolls, or original bags that were never released into active circulation.
The 1867-B 3 Pfennig coin appeals to a variety of collectors, from those focused on the German states and unification period to collectors of world copper coinage. It is also an excellent choice for those assembling a type set of pre-unification German coinage, offering affordability, beauty, and historical context in a compact format. The clear distinction between the obverse’s denomination-focused design and the heraldic reverse gives the coin strong visual balance and educational value, making it ideal for display or inclusion in thematic collections.
The German States Prussia 3 Pfennig 1867-B KM#482 in Brown Uncirculated condition is a superb example of 19th-century copper coinage at the dawn of Germany’s unification. With its crisp eagle, deep historical connections, and rich original surfaces, it represents both the strength of Prussia and the transition toward modern European nationhood. As a collectible, it offers tangible links to the political, military, and economic shifts that shaped modern Germany, all within the compact beauty of a preserved small-denomination copper coin.