This Weimar-era coin is a 5 Rentenpfennig, dated 1924. The 5 Retenpfennig represented the 3rd denomination coin of the Rentenmark. On on 15 November 1923, the Rentenmark was introduced as a counter to the rapid inflation of the Papiermark. The Rentenmark replaced the Papiermark at an impressive rate of 1 Trillion to 1.
Despite this, the 5 Rentenpfennig is relatively simple coin, that was minted from 1923-1925. The coin is a reeded-edged design made of a aluminum-bronze and weighs 2.52 g. Its dimensions are 18 mm (0.709 in) wide and 1.42 mm (0.056 in) thick. Making it slightly smaller in size to a US Penny (19.05/0.75 in), in that respect. Overall the coin is quite mundane in appearance.
This is in contrast to the bank, which issued the coin and overall Rentenmark currency. The Rentenbank (Mortage Bank) was a separate state-owned bank. Operating on an entirely separate line of commodity, from the standard Reichsbank (Imperial Bank). Rather than relying on precious metal reserves, as a conventional bank. The Rentenmark was backed by private mortgages on industrial and agricultural properties.
Reverse
The reverse is relatively ornate, without being overtly complex. The reverse art was created by sculptor Waldemar Raemisch (1888-1955), who was employed as an instructor in silversmithing. By the United State Schools of Fine and Applied Arts, in Berlin.
The coin's value is represented by a large number "5", in the center of a diamond. This diamond is embraced on each side by an oak leaf, representing honor. This image is surround wrap around text, it reads "DEUTSCHES REICH*RENTENPFENNIG*".
The top text "DEUTSCHES REICH" or German Empire/Realm was the official name of Weimar Germany. While the lower text "RENTENPFENNIG" identifies the currency. While notifying the bearer this coin is not standard currency. Floral rosettes separates the upper and lower text.
Observe
The observe is somewhat more detailed, focusing almost entirely aesthetics. At the center in strange design created by 6 crossed stalks of wheat, forming a gird like pattern. Notably why there is only 6 complete stalks, 12 stems are present, with 6 stems facing in each direction.
This same design appears on the 10 and 50 Rentenpfennig. Just as this denomination they are also designed by Waldemar Raemisch. Following the same basic observe format, with a mint mark (A) above and mint date (1994) below. This particular coin was minted by the Prussian State Mint, Berlin.
Additional Notes
The 5 Rentenpfennig was produced by the Berlin (A), Munich (D), Muldenhütten (E), Stuttgart (F), Karlsruhe (G), and Hamburg (J) mints.
The 5 Rentenpfennig coin was valued at 1/20th of a Rentenmark.
When in circulation the 5 Rentenpfennig was valued at an absurd 50 Billion Papiermark.
"Deutsches Reich" was the official name of the Weimar Republic.
Deutsches Reich was also the official name for pre-war National Socialist Germany.
Our website uses separate names to differentiate the Weimar and National Socialist eras.
We refer to pre-war National Socialist Germany, by using its official name "Deutsches Reich". While using the common name "Weimar Republic", to differentiate the two.