reichspfennig: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (historical/numismatic term)Historical, Academic (Numismatics), Specialized
Quick answer
What does “reichspfennig” mean?
A historical coin denomination used in Germany, specifically a pfennig coin issued by the German Reich.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical coin denomination used in Germany, specifically a pfennig coin issued by the German Reich.
Primarily refers to the small denomination coinage (1, 2, 5, 10 pfennig) minted and used in Germany from the period of the German Empire (1871-1918) through the Weimar Republic and into the Third Reich until 1948. The term distinguishes these national coins from earlier regional pfennig coins.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage, as it is a technical historical term. Both regions use the German term in English-language numismatic contexts.
Connotations
Neutral historical descriptor in academic contexts. May evoke associations with the Nazi period when referring to coins minted 1933-1945.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language. Used almost exclusively by historians, coin collectors (numismatists), and in museums.
Grammar
How to Use “reichspfennig” in a Sentence
The Reichspfennig [was minted/featured/circulated] during...A [copper/silver] Reichspfennig from [year]Collectors seek Reichspfennig coins with rare mint marks.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reichspfennig” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Reichspfennig coinage was reformed in 1924.
- He specialised in Reichspfennig varieties.
American English
- Reichspfennig design changed under the Nazis.
- A Reichspfennig collection can be quite valuable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, economic, and numismatic papers to specify the national coinage of Germany between 1871 and 1948.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in numismatics (coin collecting) catalogues and price guides for German coins.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reichspfennig”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reichspfennig”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reichspfennig”
- Using 'Reichspfennig' to refer to the post-WWII West German 'Pfennig'.
- Pronouncing 'ch' as /tʃ/ instead of the correct German /ç/ or anglicized /k/.
- Misspelling as 'Reichspfenig' or 'Riechspfennig'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Reichspfennig was issued until 1948. The 'Deutsche Mark' pfennig (1948-2001) is a different coinage from a different state (West Germany/Federal Republic).
No, they have not been legal tender since 1948. They are only of value to collectors and historians.
Designs varied by period but commonly featured the German eagle, denomination, year, and sometimes an 'A' (Berlin) or other mint mark. Nazi-era coins often featured the swastika and imperial eagle.
'Reichs' means 'of the Reich' (Empire/Realm). It denotes it was a national coin of the German Reich, as opposed to coins issued by individual German states before 1871.
A historical coin denomination used in Germany, specifically a pfennig coin issued by the German Reich.
Reichspfennig is usually historical, academic (numismatics), specialized in register.
Reichspfennig: in British English it is pronounced /ˈraɪksˌpfenɪɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈraɪksˌpfenɪɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think REICH (Empire/Realm) + PFENNIG (penny). It's the empire's penny.
Conceptual Metaphor
A METONYM for the centralized monetary system of historical Germany.
Practice
Quiz
The term 'Reichspfennig' is most likely to be encountered in which context?