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10 Pfennig - Wilhelm I Pattern

Issuer German Empire
Year 1873-1875
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Weight 4 g
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Reverse description The large numeral '10' occupies the central field in bold raised relief. The circular legend 'DEUTSCHES REICH' arcs across the upper portion, with the date '1873' continuing along the right side. The denomination '• PFENNIG •' is inscribed along the lower arc, with decorative stops flanking the word. The entire design is framed by a finely rope-milled border.
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Reverse lettering DEUTSCHES REICH 1873 10 • PFENNIG •
(Translation: German Reich)
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Additional information

Pattern coinage from the early German Empire reflects the intense deliberation over a unified monetary system following the 1871 proclamation at Versailles. This copper-nickel piece was struck during the transitional window when the newly formed Reich was testing compositions before settling on the iron and copper alloys ultimately adopted for circulating Pfennig denominations. Copper-nickel was seriously considered but rejected — partly on cost grounds, partly because German industrial capacity for working the alloy at mint scale was not yet reliable.

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