GERMANY. Kaiserreich. Wilhelm I, 1871-1888. 2 Pfennig 1876 F (Copper, 20 mm, 3.38 g, 12 h), obverse indent with partial brockage mint error, Stuttgart. Imperial eagle, F - F below. Rev. DEUTSCHES REICH 1876 / 2 / •PFENNIG•. Jaeger 2. Extremely rare with this fascinating mint error. Tiny flan faults and edge nicks, otherwise, good very fine.



This exceptionally rare mint error is a particularly striking example of the technical difficulties encountered by the Stuttgart Mint during the early years of coin production for the German Empire.

When this coin was struck, a fragmented coin of the same type was lodged in the obverse die. This fragment transferred an incuse impression of the reverse denomination ‘2’ onto the obverse of the present piece. At approximately 11 o’clock, the lower portions of the letters ‘RE’, from ‘REICH’, can also be made out in incuse. The fragment had presumably remained stuck in the obverse die for several strikes before the present coin was produced. Repeated exposure to the tremendous pressure of the coining press progressively distorted the fragment and, with it, the design elements ultimately transferred to this coin.

The result is an extraordinary error that not only preserves evidence of a dramatic malfunction in the minting process, but also provides a rare glimpse into the sequence of events that unfolded inside the press itself.