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The Germany Weimar 50 Pfennig 1922A coin, cataloged as KM#27 and struck at the Berlin Mint (indicated by the “A” mintmark), is a lightweight, uncirculated aluminum coin that marks the final year of issue for this particular type. Produced during the economically volatile early years of the Weimar Republic, this coin represents Germany’s effort to supply stable, affordable small-denomination currency amid inflationary pressures and social upheaval. In Uncirculated (UNC) condition, the 1922A coin displays full mint brilliance, sharp strike details, and original luster, standing as a gleaming example of utilitarian postwar coinage.
By 1922, the Weimar Republic was entering the early stages of what would soon become hyperinflation. Following the devastation of World War I, the collapse of the monarchy, and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany faced enormous economic burdens. The issuance of lightweight aluminum coinage was part of a broader attempt to produce cost-effective, functional money during a period of resource scarcity and mounting fiscal instability. The 50 Pfennig denomination was a mid-range unit in the decimal Mark system, designed to fill the gap between bronze and silver issues, and was vital in everyday commercial transactions before its value was eventually overwhelmed by inflation.
The obverse design of the 1922A 50 Pfennig coin is utilitarian and symbolic. A large “50” dominates the center, flanked by stylized wheat stalks that represent agriculture and food production—key elements in Germany’s recovery. Beneath the denomination is the word “PFENNIG,” and directly under that, the mintmark “A” identifies the Berlin Mint. In Uncirculated condition, the coin exhibits sharp, squared edges on all design elements. The numerals, grain lines, and lettering are bold and free from wear, and the aluminum fields retain their original mint sheen with a silvery matte luster.
The reverse carries the inscription “DEUTSCHES REICH” (German Empire) curving around the top, and the date “1922” at the bottom. While Germany was no longer an empire by this point—having transitioned to a republic in 1919—the legend remained unchanged on coinage through 1922, reflecting bureaucratic continuity rather than political reality. In UNC condition, the lettering is deeply impressed and the fields are clean and reflective. No flattening or contact marks are visible, and the coin retains a fresh appearance typical of coins struck from new dies and preserved from circulation.
The coin was struck in aluminum, measuring 20 mm in diameter and weighing approximately 1.3 grams. The use of aluminum was both practical and economic, as it allowed for mass production with minimal cost. However, the metal’s softness and susceptibility to surface damage mean that Uncirculated examples are increasingly difficult to find. Those that survive in UNC condition are valued for their delicate state and the technical precision of their original strike. Many show bright silver-gray surfaces, sometimes with light iridescent toning at the rims when well stored.
The Berlin Mint, denoted by the “A” mintmark, was the primary minting facility of the German Empire and continued to serve the central government during the Weimar Republic. The 1922A 50 Pfennig was produced in large quantities, but most were quickly worn down or discarded during the hyperinflation that followed. Coins like this one—preserved in their original, untouched state—offer a rare glimpse into Germany’s economic conditions just before its monetary collapse, making them historically valuable despite their small denomination and abundant mintage.
The KM#27 type, struck from 1919 to 1922, was soon replaced by different designs and higher-denomination emergency issues as inflation accelerated. The 1922 coin is the last of the series, marking the end of aluminum 50 Pfennig coinage with this design. While the denomination would return in later forms during the Third Reich and the Federal Republic of Germany, this version remains distinct for its understated design, wartime legacy, and direct link to the fragile early years of the republic.
In Uncirculated condition, a 1922A 50 Pfennig is highly collectible, especially for those building a mint state type set of Weimar coinage. Its pristine surfaces and original finish make it stand out from the vast majority of circulated or damaged aluminum coins. Examples graded MS63 or higher by certification services such as NGC or PCGS are particularly desirable, though raw coins with evident full detail and clean fields are also highly sought after. Careful handling and storage in inert holders are essential to maintain their delicate finish, as even minor contact with skin can dull the surface or leave spotting.
This coin appeals not only to German coin specialists but also to those interested in world coins from transitional periods. It captures a specific moment in time: a republic struggling to meet the needs of its people while grappling with a crumbling currency. Its small size and humble metal belie the weight of history it carries, offering collectors a meaningful artifact from one of the most turbulent decades in German monetary history.
The Germany Weimar 50 Pfennig 1922A KM#27 in Uncirculated condition is a light, functional, and visually clean coin from the final chapter of a short-lived series. It reflects the economic pragmatism and underlying fragility of the Weimar Republic during a period of deepening financial crisis. With its sharp details, symbolic design, and lasting historical significance, this coin remains a valuable and fascinating addition to any 20th-century European or German coin collection.