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The Germany 20 Pfennig 1875G coin, cataloged as KM#5 and struck at the Karlsruhe Mint (identified by the “G” mintmark), is a small yet historically significant silver coin issued during the early years of the German Empire. Made from .900 fine silver, this coin is part of a short-lived series minted between 1873 and 1877, representing one of the earliest standard fractional denominations adopted after the unification of Germany in 1871. In Very Fine (VF) condition, the coin exhibits moderate wear but retains clear details of its imperial imagery and inscriptions, making it a collectible and tangible piece of 19th-century European monetary reform.
The German Empire was founded in 1871, unifying dozens of formerly independent states under the leadership of Prussia and Kaiser Wilhelm I. With political unity came the creation of a centralized monetary system based on the Mark, divided into 100 Pfennig. The 20 Pfennig denomination, struck in silver in its earliest issues, helped phase out older regional currencies and establish a uniform coinage. These silver 20 Pfennig coins were intended for low-denomination transactions and were widely used throughout the empire. Their role in the standardization of German currency makes them significant both economically and symbolically.
The obverse of the 1875G 20 Pfennig coin features the crowned imperial German eagle, standing with wings spread and a central shield bearing the Prussian eagle, representing Prussia’s dominance in the empire. The eagle clasps a scepter and orb in its talons, and a prominent imperial crown is shown above the head. In VF condition, the eagle’s outline remains strong, with noticeable flattening in finer feather detail, the scepter, orb, and crown. The shield remains visible, and the general structure of the design is easily recognizable. The coin may also show even patina, often a silver-gray tone with darker accents in recessed areas.
The reverse bears the denomination “20 PFENNIG” in bold letters at center, with “DEUTSCHES REICH” (German Empire) encircling the upper rim and the date “1875” positioned at the bottom. Directly beneath the date is the mintmark “G,” indicating Karlsruhe, the mint of the Grand Duchy of Baden. In VF condition, all inscriptions remain clearly legible, though moderate wear is visible on the sharper edges of the lettering. The fields may exhibit soft luster or faint circulation scratches, but the overall aesthetic remains balanced and historically compelling.
This coin was struck in .900 fine silver, with a diameter of 22 mm and a weight of 1.111 grams. The high purity and relatively small size made it suitable for light everyday commerce while still inspiring trust through its precious metal content. However, producing such small silver coins was ultimately not cost-effective, and by 1877 the silver 20 Pfennig series was discontinued in favor of a more economical cupro-nickel version introduced in 1887. As a result, silver 20 Pfennig coins like this one were minted for only a short span, making them desirable for type collectors and those seeking early imperial coinage.
The “G” mintmark signifies the Karlsruhe Mint, one of several mints operating under the imperial system. While not the rarest mintmark, coins from Karlsruhe are less common than those from Berlin (“A”) and are often sought out by collectors building comprehensive mintmark sets. The inclusion of Karlsruhe also adds geographical diversity to any German Empire collection, representing southern Germany’s contribution to the national monetary production system. Mint quality from Karlsruhe was high, and VF examples often exhibit even wear without the surface issues that sometimes plague coins from higher-volume mints.
The 1875 date is the third year of production for this silver denomination. Although not the final year, it falls near the end of the short-lived silver issue and is often collected as part of a complete date set. It reflects the peak of Germany’s early imperial confidence, industrial growth, and expanding infrastructure under Bismarck’s chancellorship. Coins from this era are closely tied to Germany’s efforts to modernize, unify, and assert itself as a major European power, both economically and militarily.
In Very Fine condition, this 20 Pfennig coin shows evenly distributed wear across its high points but retains strong central detail and a dignified appearance. The legends and date are sharp and readable, the eagle is well-outlined, and no major damage interrupts the design. The coin may display light surface marks or toning but lacks the harsh cleaning, corrosion, or deep scratches that would compromise its collectible value. VF-grade coins from this series are popular among collectors who appreciate a blend of affordability and historical substance.
Collectors value the 1875G 20 Pfennig for its role in the early unified currency system of Germany and its connection to the transitional period from silver to base-metal coinage. It is a key issue for those building a German Empire type set, a mintmark set, or a 19th-century European silver coin collection. With its classic eagle design, old-world elegance, and link to a formative period in modern German history, it is both a numismatic and historical artifact.
The Germany 20 Pfennig 1875G KM#5 in VF silver condition is a compact yet powerful representation of the early German Empire’s identity and ambition. As one of the last small-denomination silver issues before the shift to nickel alloys, it occupies a unique place in the evolution of German coinage. With solid eye appeal, regional mint significance, and deep historical roots, it remains a prized addition to any serious collection of 19th-century German or European coinage.