German East Africa Silver Coin Melt Values - Live Calculator
The table below lists each denomination and computes live melt value from the current silver spot price of $66.45 per troy ounce.
| Coin | Face Value | Years | Fineness | Gross Weight (g) | ASW (g) | ASW (oz t) | Qty | Melt Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rupie | 1 | 1890 - 1914 | 0.917 | 11.66 | 10.69 | 0.3438 | $0.00 | |
| Rupie | 1/2 | 1891 - 1914 | 0.917 | 5.83 | 5.35 | 0.1719 | $0.00 | |
| Rupie | 1/4 | 1891 - 1914 | 0.917 | 2.92 | 2.68 | 0.0861 | $0.00 | |
| Grand Total | $0.00 | |||||||
Country Silver Coin History
German East Africa was a German colony in East Africa, which included present-day Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. The history of silver coins in this region is intertwined with the broader economic and political changes during the colonial period.
Germany established its presence in East Africa in 1885, creating the colony of German East Africa. The region's economic activities, including trade and taxation, required a standardized currency system.
In 1890, the German colonial administration introduced the first official coinage for German East Africa. These coins were minted in Germany and shipped to the colony for circulation.
The early coins featured the portrait of Kaiser Wilhelm II on the obverse and the imperial eagle on the reverse. The denominations included 1, 2, and 5 rupees, which were made of silver. These coins were intended to facilitate trade and serve as a stable medium of exchange.
The currency system in German East Africa was based on the Indian rupee, which was widely used in the Indian Ocean trade network. The adoption of the rupee system made it easier to integrate the colony into existing trade routes and markets.
The silver rupees issued by the German administration contained 91.7% silver, aligning with the standards of the Indian rupee. This high silver content ensured the coins were valued and trusted in trade.
As the colony's economy grew, the need for a more diverse range of denominations became apparent. In 1904, the German administration introduced smaller denominations, including 1/4 and 1/2 rupee coins, which were also made of silver.
After the defeat of Germany in World War I, German East Africa was divided among the victorious Allied powers. The region that is now Tanzania was placed under British administration and became known as Tanganyika.
Under British administration, the currency system in Tanganyika transitioned to the British East African shilling, which was pegged to the British pound. The rupee system, including the silver coins issued by the Germans, was gradually phased out.
British East African Coinage: The new coinage included silver coins such as the 1 shilling and 50 cent pieces, which were used throughout British East Africa.
