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The Germany 20 Pfennig 1874E coin, cataloged as KM#5 and struck at the Muldenhütten Mint (identified by the “E” mintmark), is a fractional silver coin from the formative years of the German Empire. Made from .900 fine silver and issued during the second year of the denomination’s production, this coin represents the transition from a fragmented array of German state currencies to a unified imperial system. In Very Fine (VF) condition, this example retains clearly legible legends and recognizable devices, showing moderate wear but strong historical integrity.
The 20 Pfennig denomination was introduced following the 1871 unification of Germany under Prussian leadership. The imperial monetary reform established a decimal currency based on the Mark, with 100 Pfennigs equaling one Mark. The silver 20 Pfennig coins were part of this overhaul and were first issued in 1873. They circulated widely and served as a reliable medium for everyday transactions in the newly unified empire. The 1874 issues, including this “E” mintmark example, were struck just as the imperial coinage system was gaining nationwide circulation and public trust.
The obverse of the 1874E coin features the crowned imperial German eagle with wings spread and detailed plumage. The eagle holds a scepter and orb in its talons, and a small shield on its chest displays the Prussian eagle, signifying Prussia’s dominant role within the empire. The crown above the eagle represents the imperial authority of Kaiser Wilhelm I. In VF condition, the overall eagle form is distinct, with moderate wear visible on the feathers and finer elements. The high points—such as the crown, shield, and wing details—are softened but still present, while the fields remain generally clean and free from major damage.
The reverse bears the denomination “20 PFENNIG” prominently at center, surrounded above by the inscription “DEUTSCHES REICH” (German Empire) and below by the date “1874.” The mintmark “E” is located directly beneath the date, denoting the Muldenhütten Mint, which operated in the Kingdom of Saxony and was responsible for a portion of early imperial coin production. In VF condition, the legends and numerals are easily readable, though lightly worn, and the coin’s surfaces may display minor abrasions or small rim nicks consistent with normal circulation wear.
The coin was struck in .900 fine silver, with a diameter of 22 mm and a weight of approximately 1.111 grams. Though modest in size, it carried significant purchasing power and trust due to its silver content. These coins were widely used by everyday citizens and circulated heavily, which is why higher-grade examples are increasingly scarce. The silver 20 Pfennig series lasted only until 1877 before being replaced with more economical cupro-nickel issues in 1887. This short production window enhances the desirability of silver examples, particularly those with less common mintmarks like “E.”
The Muldenhütten Mint’s “E” mintmark is less common than the “A” of Berlin or “D” of Munich, and it adds interest for collectors who pursue full mintmark sets of imperial coinage. As a regional mint operating in Saxony, Muldenhütten played a smaller but still important role in Germany’s early imperial minting infrastructure. Coins from this mint often display strong strikes, though their output was more limited than that of Berlin, giving coins like this an added element of regional identity and scarcity.
The 1874 date is significant as one of the earliest years of standardized coinage under the German Empire. The 20 Pfennig denomination was one of several silver fractional coins that helped ease the monetary transition and build public confidence in a national currency. As such, coins like the 1874E are not just monetary tools—they are also tangible symbols of German unification and industrial modernization during a transformative period in European history.
In Very Fine condition, this coin displays even, honest wear with all key design elements visible. The eagle remains sharply outlined, and the reverse inscriptions are strong, though all high points are moderately flattened. The color is typically a medium silver-gray with darker toning in recesses, giving the coin a pleasing, aged appearance. Light scratches or surface marks may be present but do not detract significantly from the overall appeal. The rims remain mostly intact, and the coin retains excellent structural integrity despite its age and use.
Collectors value the 1874E 20 Pfennig for its early imperial date, silver content, and historical placement. It is a key component in type sets of German Empire coinage and is especially appealing to those assembling full mintmark sets or thematic collections focusing on German unification and economic reform. The design, with its imperial eagle and crisp serifed inscriptions, offers strong visual balance and reflects the style and symbolism of the early Second Reich.
The Germany 20 Pfennig 1874E KM#5 in VF silver condition is a historically rich and visually appealing coin from the early years of the German Empire. With its imperial eagle design, distinctive “E” mintmark, and relatively short-lived silver format, it stands as a meaningful artifact of late 19th-century European history. Durable, elegant, and tied to the dawn of a unified German state, it remains a prized addition to any serious collection of German or European coinage.