The 1 Reichspfennig 1936 E is a highly desirable piece for collectors of German numismatics. It sits at a unique historical crossroads: it was the final year of the Weimar Republic-style "Wheat" design and the first year the Third Reich introduced the Swastika-on-eagle design for this denomination. The "E" mint mark indicates it was struck at the Muldenhütten Mint (located near Dresden), which was the smallest of the German mints, naturally making its issues more scarce. Technical Specifications: Composition: Bronze (95% Copper, 4% Tin, 1% Zinc) Weight: 2.01 g Diameter: 17.5 mm Edge: Plain Mint Mark: E (Muldenhütten) Catalog References: KM# 89, Jaeger# 361 Rarity & MintageThe 1936-E is considered a key date for this series. While other years saw mintages in the tens of millions, the 1936-E had a remarkably low production run. Mintage: Only 150,000 pieces. Context: For comparison, the 1937-A (Berlin) had over 67 million. Because 1936 was a transition year, the Muldenhütten production for the new design was extremely limited, placing it among the rarest of the bronze Reichspfennigs. Market Value (2026 Estimates): Value is heavily dependent on the "Grade" (physical condition) and the presence of original "Mint Red" luster. Condition Grade Estimated Value: Very Fine VF$45 – $70 Extremely Fine XF$90 – $130 About UncirculatedAU$150 – $220 UncirculatedUNC$250 – $400+ --------------------------------------------------------------- The 1 Reichspfennig 1936 J is another standout from the "transition year." Struck at the Hamburg Mint (Mint Mark J), it is part of the first-ever issue of the bronze Pfennig to feature the Eagle-and-Swastika design. While the Hamburg Mint generally had higher production than Muldenhütten (E), the 1936 J remains a highly sought-after key date because it belongs to the very first year of this design's circulation. Technical Specifications: Mint Mark: J (Hamburg) Composition: Bronze (95% Copper, 4% Tin, 1% Zinc) Weight: 2.01 g Diameter: 17.5 mm Design: Eagle with Swastika (Obverse) / Denomination with Oak Leaves (Reverse) Catalog References: KM# 89, Jaeger# 361 Rarity & Mintage: The Hamburg Mint was active, but for this specific year and design, the mintage was kept low compared to the mass-produced years that followed (like 1937 or 1938). Mintage: Approximately 5,421,000. Collector Significance: Although 5.4 million sounds like a lot, this is significantly lower than the subsequent years where Hamburg would often strike 15–20 million. It is often the "final piece" collectors need to complete a high-quality 1936 mint-set. Market Value (2026 Estimates) : Because copper coins are prone to spotting and oxidation, the value "jumps" significantly for coins that have avoided environmental damage and kept their original color. Condition Grade Estimated: Very FineVF$15 – $25 Extremely FineXF$40 – $65 About UncirculatedAU$80 – $130 UncirculatedUNC$180 – $250+