GERMANY. Kaiserreich. Wilhelm I, 1871-1888. 1 Pfennig (Copper, 18 mm, 2.05 g, 12 h), clashed dies, 40 % off center and capped die mint error, uncertain mint, no date (1873-1889). Imperial eagle, [mintmark] below. Rev. DEUTSCHES REICH 18[ ] / 1 / [•PFENNIG•]. Jaeger 1. Rare in this exceptional condition and with these mint errors. Tiny marks, otherwise, virtually as struck.



In addition to the off-center strike, the reverse also shows clear evidence of a die clash - a phenomenon known in German numismatics as a ‘Lichtenrader Prägung’. To the left and right of the denomination ‘1’, portions of the eagle’s wings from the obverse design can be seen.

A die clash occurs when the dies come together without a planchet between them. The force of the impact causes elements of each die’s design to be transferred onto the opposing die. When normal striking resumes, these unintended impressions are then transferred to subsequent coins, producing faint, incuse traces of the opposite side’s design.