Hobbies And Interests
Worth
One deutsch pfennig is worth 1 percent of a deutsche mark. The European Central Bank fixed the most recent deutsche mark's worth as 1.95583 to one euro dollar as of January 1999, making one deutsch pfennig worth .0195583 of one euro. The exchange rate of the euro dollar and the U.S. dollar changes daily, therefore the pfennig's value in terms of the dollar changes daily as well. One deutsch pfennig is worth .72515 American pennies at time of publication. However, you may be able to purchase Germany currency in a collector's market for a different rate.
Appearance
The deutsch pfennig took different forms of appearance throughout the deutsche mark's history, but the most recent versions were made of copper-plated steel from 1950 to 2001. Theses pfennige were similar to the American penny in their copper color. On the front, rye stalks border the numeral "1," centered above the word "pfennig." On the back, an oak sprig surrounds the words "Bundesrepublik Deutschland," set above the year of the coin's minting.
History
The German deutsche mark became the standard in 1873, but its roots date to the 9th century. The most recent version of the pfennig was produced after World War II for use in areas controlled by the American, British and French governments. At that time, the printing of deutsche marks arks took place in the United States. The bills were then shipped to Germany. In 1955, the German government took over currency production. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the modern pfennig saw use throughout united Germany.
Collection
The value of the pfennig and other historical currency varies with the market and the currency's condition. A dealer or appraiser specializing in world currency can help collectors purchase, sell or assess the value of their deutsch pfennig. The American Numismatic Association (money.org) can help you start or grow your German currency collection.