West German Coin Appraisal

German 1 Pfennig Coin (1949)

The item is a German 1 Pfennig coin, dated 1949. It is round in shape and appears to be made of a bronzed steel or copper-plated steel, exhibiting a warm coppery-brown color with visible areas of darker patina and some minor discoloration, indicative of age and circulation. The coin's obverse side, as depicted, features a central design of an oak seedling, emerging from the ground, with distinct leaves and a visible stem, symbolizing growth and rebirth. Surrounding this central motif, along the upper and right edge, the inscription "BANK DEUTSCHER" is clearly visible, with the word "DEUTSCHER" appearing in an arc. Along the lower and left edge, the inscription "LÄNDER" is also visible, completing the phrase "BANK DEUTSCHER LÄNDER". The date "1949" is prominently placed below the oak seedling, towards the left side. The lettering and imagery appear to be precisely struck, maintaining good detail despite the overall wear. The raised details show some flattening consistent with circulation, particularly on the higher points of the oak leaves and the lettering, indicating moderate wear to the coin's surfaces. There are no major scratches or dents, suggesting a relatively well-preserved state for its age, though the surface shows typical signs of handling and environmental exposure over time. The edge of the coin is not visible in the provided image, but historically these coins had a smooth edge. The overall condition suggests it has been in circulation but cared for, or has been stored under reasonable conditions given its age. This coin belongs to the post-World War II era in Germany, specifically from the period when the Bank deutscher Länder (Bank of the German States) was the central bank in the western occupation zones prior to the establishment of the Deutsche Bundesbank.