Before the unification of Germany in 1871, various states within the German Confederation issued their own copper coins. These coins were used for everyday transactions and reflected the diverse coinage systems of the individual states. Here are some examples of copper coins issued by prominent German states:
Prussia: Prussia issued copper coins of various denominations, including the Pfennig and the Groschen. These coins featured the portrait of the ruling monarch on the obverse and the Prussian coat of arms or other state symbols on the reverse.
Bavaria: Bavaria minted copper coins such as the Pfennig and the Heller. These coins typically featured the portrait of the ruling monarch on the obverse and various Bavarian symbols, such as the Bavarian coat of arms, on the reverse.
Saxony: Saxony issued copper coins, including the Pfennig and the Groschen. These coins featured the portrait of the ruling monarch on the obverse and the Saxon coat of arms or other state symbols on the reverse.
Württemberg: Württemberg minted copper coins, such as the Pfennig and the Heller. These coins typically featured the portrait of the ruling monarch on the obverse and the Württemberg coat of arms or other state symbols on the reverse.
Hanover: Hanover issued copper coins during its time as a kingdom. These included coins such as the Pfennig and the Heller, featuring the portrait of the ruling King of Hanover and Hanoverian symbols.
Hesse: Hesse issued copper coins, including the Pfennig and the Heller. These coins featured the portrait of the ruling Grand Duke or Landgrave of Hesse on the obverse and various Hessian symbols on the reverse.
These are just a few examples of the many copper coins issued by the states of Germany before unification. Each state had its own coinage system and issued coins reflecting its unique history and political identity.