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The Germany Weimar 50 Pfennig 1922D coin, cataloged as KM#27 and minted in Munich (indicated by the “D” mintmark), is a lightweight, aluminum coin from the final year of this design type. Issued during a period of economic and political instability in post-World War I Germany, this coin exemplifies the Weimar Republic’s effort to maintain circulating coinage in the face of rising inflation. In Uncirculated (UNC) condition, the 1922D stands out for its sharp strike, full mint brilliance, and excellent preservation, offering collectors a pristine piece of Weimar-era monetary history.
After the fall of the German Empire in 1918 and the founding of the Weimar Republic, the new German state faced an overwhelming burden of war reparations, territorial losses, and economic collapse. The 50 Pfennig coin was introduced in 1919 as part of a practical monetary response to these pressures. Struck from inexpensive aluminum rather than precious or base metals, it served as a transitional denomination between small bronze coins and larger silver or emergency issues. By 1922, this coin was still in wide circulation, though its value was rapidly being eroded by inflation that would spiral into hyperinflation just a year later.
The obverse of the 1922 50 Pfennig features a bold and utilitarian design: a large “50” at center flanked by stylized stalks of grain, symbolizing agricultural stability and food production. Beneath the denomination is the word “PFENNIG,” and directly below that is the “D” mintmark for Munich. In Uncirculated condition, the central “50” and grain stalks are sharply defined, and the fields retain their original mint luster, often displaying a satiny or slightly reflective finish characteristic of fresh aluminum strikes. There are no signs of wear or flattening, and even minor details—such as the fine striations on the grain—remain intact.
The reverse carries the inscription “DEUTSCHES REICH” (German Empire) in a curved arc above, with the date “1922” centered at the bottom. Though Germany had become a republic in 1919, the use of the old imperial legend continued through 1922. In UNC condition, the reverse is crisp, with clean lettering and smooth, undamaged fields. There may be faint die polish lines or subtle flow lines, typical of aluminum coinage of the era, but no evidence of handling, friction, or environmental damage. Many Uncirculated specimens also display faint golden or bluish toning near the rims due to natural oxidation.
The 1922D 50 Pfennig was struck in pure aluminum, measuring 20 mm in diameter and weighing approximately 1.3 grams. Aluminum was chosen for its lightness, affordability, and resistance to corrosion—qualities crucial for a country in economic crisis. However, it is also soft and easily marred, making high-grade examples difficult to find. In Uncirculated condition, this coin is especially prized for surviving without the nicks, dents, or surface haze that often affect aluminum coins from this time period.
The Munich Mint, marked with a “D,” was one of several German mints active during the Weimar Republic era. Others included Berlin (“A”), Stuttgart (“F”), and Karlsruhe (“G”). While Berlin typically had the highest output, Munich’s coinage was consistently well struck and of high quality. For collectors assembling mintmark sets of the KM#27 series, the 1922D represents the final issue from the Munich Mint before the 50 Pfennig design was discontinued and replaced with new types better suited to the inflationary era.
The year 1922 is especially notable as it marks the end of the KM#27 aluminum series. By the end of that year, inflation had accelerated to the point that denominations like the 50 Pfennig were becoming increasingly irrelevant in daily transactions. By 1923, the currency had entered full-scale hyperinflation, and the government began issuing emergency notes and high-denomination coins to try and keep pace with the collapsing value of the Mark. The 1922 50 Pfennig coins thus represent the final phase of an attempt to maintain normalcy in a rapidly deteriorating economy.
In Uncirculated condition, the 1922D offers collectors both exceptional eye appeal and historical depth. Coins in this grade exhibit no circulation wear, and all design elements—numerals, inscriptions, and grain stalks—are fully defined. The delicate aluminum surfaces may show original luster or light satiny sheen, and careful storage is essential to preserve their pristine condition. Many such coins are housed in archival holders or certified slabs to prevent contact damage or oxidation, which can quickly dull or blemish their appearance.
The KM#27 series is a favorite among collectors of Weimar-era coinage, modern German type sets, and transitional postwar monetary systems. It also appeals to those interested in aluminum coinage specifically, given its early adoption of the metal in a national circulating coin. As the last year of issue, the 1922D has special value as a close to this short-lived but symbolically rich series. Its survival in Uncirculated condition provides a window into Germany’s turbulent economic and political climate before the full onset of hyperinflation.
The Germany Weimar 50 Pfennig 1922D KM#27 in Uncirculated condition is a beautifully preserved relic of a collapsing currency and a struggling republic. With its crisp strike, minimalist yet effective design, and pristine surface quality, it captures a moment of both hope and desperation in German history. Lightweight in the hand but heavy with context, this coin remains a compelling and collectible artifact for anyone fascinated by 20th-century numismatics or the dramatic story of the Weimar Republic.