1916 German East Africa 5 Heller Coin

 Year: 1916
Denomination: 5 Heller
Mint Mark: T (Tabora Mint)
Issued By: German East Africa (Deutsch-Ostafrika, D.O.A)
Metal: Brass
Condition: Good to Fine Circulated condition 
Rarity: Only 30,000 coins minted

Historical Significance:

This scarce 5 Heller coin was minted during World War I under emergency conditions in German East Africa (modern-day Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda) when regular coin supplies were cut off due to the British naval blockade. The coins were struck at the Tabora Mint, a temporary mint set up by the Germans in the African interior.

The obverse reads 5 Heller with a laurel wreath and mint mark T, while the reverse is marked 1916 D.O.A (Deutsch-Ostafrika), accompanied by a German Imperial crown.

Collector Value:

• Extremely Low Mintage: Only 30,000 pieces issued a tiny number by global numismatic standards.

• Highly Collectible among WWI historians, colonial-era collectors, and German Empire numismatists.

• Sought After due to the unique context of its production and its historical African origin.

• Investment Potential: These coins, especially in decent grades, continue to appreciate in value due to limited supply and strong demand.