1893 German East Africa 1 Rupie - VF+ - Silver Coin – Wilhelm II – ASW 0.3443 oz – Colonial Issue

1893 German East Africa (Deutsch-Ostafrika) 1 Rupie silver coin, an important colonial-era issue struck under Kaiser Wilhelm II. These coins circulated in what is today Tanzania and surrounding regions and represent Germany’s short but historically significant colonial presence in East Africa.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Wilhelm II wearing a spiked Pickelhaube helmet adorned with an eagle crest. The surrounding legend reads “GUILIELMUS II IMPERATOR,” identifying him as German Emperor. Moderate circulation wear is visible on the highest points, with original silver toning and honest field marks consistent with circulation.

The reverse displays the crowned German colonial shield with a lion beneath a palm tree, a powerful and iconic design unique to German East Africa coinage. The inscription “DEUTSCH-OSTAFRIKANISCHE GESELLSCHAFT” surrounds the central device, with the denomination “EINE RUPIE” and the date 1893 below. Edge beading remains clear, and the design elements are well defined for the type.

Struck in .917 fine silver, this coin contains substantial precious metal content and is highly collectible due to its colonial history, striking design, and limited surviving examples. German East Africa silver coins are increasingly sought after by collectors of world silver, colonial coinage, and African numismatics.

A strong example of a classic late-19th-century colonial silver issue.