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The Germany 20 Pfennig 1874A coin, cataloged as KM#5 and struck at the Berlin Mint (mintmark “A”), is a significant small-denomination silver coin issued in the earliest years of the German Empire. Minted in .900 fine silver just three years after Germany’s unification in 1871, this coin represents the imperial government's effort to establish a standardized decimal currency system. In Fine (F) condition, the coin shows moderate wear from circulation, but the central details remain identifiable, and the coin retains both historical appeal and numismatic value as a foundational piece of imperial German coinage.
The German Empire, formed in 1871 under the leadership of Prussia and Emperor Wilhelm I, introduced a unified currency system based on the Mark, with 100 Pfennig equaling 1 Mark. The 20 Pfennig denomination served as a fractional silver coin for small transactions, filling a critical role in daily commerce. As a transitional issue, this coin helped replace the myriad of regional coins previously circulating among the former German states. Issued beginning in 1873, the 20 Pfennig series was short-lived in silver form, with later issues transitioning to cupro-nickel, making early silver dates like 1874 especially desirable to collectors.
The obverse of the 1874A 20 Pfennig coin features the crowned imperial German eagle with its wings spread, symbolizing the strength and unity of the new empire. The eagle bears a breast shield displaying the Prussian eagle, while its talons clutch a scepter and orb, and the imperial crown hovers above. The beaded border frames the design. In Fine condition, the eagle’s outline and main devices are still clearly visible, though wear has reduced detail in the feathers, scepter, and shield. The crown remains visible but softened, and the fields show smoothing from moderate circulation.
The reverse displays the denomination “20 PFENNIG” in large, bold letters at center, with “DEUTSCHES REICH” (German Empire) arching around the upper rim and the date “1874” positioned below. The “A” mintmark of the Berlin Mint appears under the date. In F condition, the legends remain fully readable, though some softening is evident on the edges of the lettering and numerals. The surfaces may show a dull, worn tone common to aged silver with years of handling, often exhibiting medium-gray coloration with darker areas in recesses and lighter wear on the high points.
The coin was struck in .900 fine silver with a diameter of 22 mm and a weight of approximately 1.111 grams. Its fine silver composition and modest size made it both a practical and trusted medium of exchange in the early years of the German Empire. However, the cost of minting small silver denominations eventually led to the discontinuation of silver 20 Pfennig coins after 1877, with cupro-nickel replacements issued beginning in 1887. As such, silver 20 Pfennig coins remain a limited and historically distinct part of Germany’s monetary history.
The “A” mintmark indicates that this coin was produced at the Berlin Mint, the primary mint of the German Empire. Berlin struck some of the highest quantities of German imperial coinage and set the production standard for other mints across the empire. The 1874 issue is the second year of the silver 20 Pfennig series, following the inaugural 1873 coins, and forms an important part of any complete collection of early imperial minor silver denominations.
In Fine condition, this 1874A 20 Pfennig coin exhibits visible wear from its time in circulation but remains an attractive and collectible piece. Most high points—such as the eagle’s chest, the crown, and reverse lettering—are flattened or smoothed, but the overall layout of the design is intact. The rims may show minor flattening, and the fields likely bear small nicks or abrasions consistent with extended use. However, a coin in this grade still clearly communicates its identity, origin, and place in history, making it an ideal piece for collectors on a budget or those assembling circulated type sets.
Collectors of German Empire coinage value this early silver 20 Pfennig for its transitional nature, both in metal composition and historical context. It represents the imperial government's effort to centralize currency across diverse former states, while still incorporating classic imperial imagery such as the crowned eagle. Its silver content, though modest, adds intrinsic value and appeals to collectors who favor precious metal coinage from the 19th century. As silver 20 Pfennig coins were minted for only a brief period, this 1874 issue contributes to a relatively short and collectible series.
The 20 Pfennig denomination served an essential role in commerce, equivalent to one-fifth of a Mark, and likely changed hands frequently in everyday transactions. Whether used to buy bread, pay for public transport, or settle petty debts, these coins were widely circulated. Their durability and consistent design helped reinforce the presence of the new imperial identity across all regions of Germany, regardless of former allegiances to local kingdoms or duchies.
The Germany 20 Pfennig 1874A KM#5 in Fine silver condition offers collectors a genuine and affordable example of early imperial German currency. With its classic eagle design, silver composition, and role in the establishment of a unified monetary system, it reflects both the economic practicalities and symbolic aspirations of the nascent empire. As a circulated survivor from one of Europe’s most transformative decades, it remains a meaningful and tangible artifact of 19th-century German history.