GERMANY. Kaiserreich. Wilhelm II, 1888-1918. 5 Pfennig (Iron-Zinc, 18 mm, 2.51 g, 12 h), 50 % off center mint error, uncertain mint, no date (1915-1922). Imperial eagle, [mintmark] below. Rev. [•DE]UTSCHES REIC[H•] / 5 / [PFENNIG / date]. Jaeger 297. Lacquered, otherwise, good extremely fine.



An intriguing feature of this mint error is that an area of the unstruck planchet extends into the otherwise fully struck reverse, just above the letters 'ES' in 'DEUTSCHES'. The exact cause of this unusual effect cannot be determined with certainty, but such a feature is exceptionally rare on off-center strikes. It may well be related to the coin’s unusual composition - iron sherardized with zinc - and the way this material reacted to the pressure of the strike.