German East Africa (Tanganyika ) is located on the coast of
east-central Africa . Germany acquired control of the area by treaties
with coastal chiefs in 1884, established it as a protectorate in 1891, and
proclaimed it the Colony of German East Africa
in 1897. During World War 1, German troops fought a skillful guerrilla campaign
to the very end, and even produced emergency coins inscribed “D.O.A”
Mintmarks
A - Berlin
J - Hamburg
T - Tabora
Monetary System until
1902
64 Pesa = 1 Rupie
Commencing 1902
100 Heller = 1 Rupie
Legends
The pesa has the legend
of the German East Africa Company with the imperial eagle on the obverse and an
Arabic inscription on the reverse.
Coins inscribed
“Deutche Ostafrika” were introduced in 1904, based on the rupee of 100 heller,
and featured the imperial crown and a wreathed value.
All the silver coins
feature the bust of Kaiser Wilhelm on the obverse. From 1890 -1902 the reverse
design depicts a lion and from 1904 a wreathed value.
The gold tabora or 15
rupien features the imperial eagle on the obverse and an elephant on the
reverse.
Denominations and
dates of mintage
Pesa Copper 1890-92
½ Heller Bronze 1904-06
Heller Bronze 1904-13
5 Heller Copper-Nickel 1913-14
5 Heller Brass 1916T
Two varieties exist.
Emergency coins
inscribed “D.O.A”
10 Heller Copper-Nickel 1908-14
20 Heller Copper and
brass versions 1916T
Varieties exist.
Emergency coins inscribed “D.O.A”
 |
| A selection of German East African Coins |
¼ Rupie Silver
1891-1914
½ Rupie Silver 1891-1914
Rupie Silver 1890-1914
2 Rupien Silver 1893-94
15 Rupien Gold 1916T
Many of the German East African coins were incorporated in jewelry. The gold taboras or 15 rupien
are difficult to find in superb condition. Two versions of the 20 heller copper
coins are rare. Four patterns exist.
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