Germany (Frankfurt Am Main) 1 Kreuzer 1859 to 1866

While Steve are right in writing that these coins contain silver, the precious metal content is almost a technicality, considering the purity of a mere 16.7% silver. A page with similar coins appears at this link [Press Here].

The kreuzer had been heavily debased by the 1860s when these coins were struck. The value was not (mainly) in the silver, but in the coin itself - a move away from precious metal coinage and towards fiat money.

But that's a whole other discussion. There are two varieties of these interesting coins, with the main difference lying in the shape of the eagle's body. On the earlier type, struck 1859 to 1862, the eagle has a long slim body. On the later type, struck 1862 to 1866, the eagle has a heart-shaped body. The values of these coins are respectable for better-looking specimens, as noted below:

EAGLE WITH LONG BODY (1859 to 1862)
worn: $2 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $10
well preserved: $22
fully uncirculated: $45
coins dated 1862 with a long-bodied eagle are scarce and catalog at $50 average circulated, $200 fully uncirculated

EAGLE WITH HEART-SHAPED BODY (1862 to 1866)
worn: $2 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $8
well preserved: $16
fully uncirculated: $36

Coins that are as magnificently beautiful as the one in our image (courtesy of Heidelberger Münzhandlung Herbert Grün e.K - thanks!) will be worth even more. The pictured coin sold for 95 euros - approximately $130 at the time. It's completely uncirculated with very strong mint luster, and the silvered surface is intact. This brought up the value by a huge margin. Worn coins look coppery.

Coins with damage will be worth about one dollar or so. Damage means coins that have corrosion issues, are holed, bent, severely scratched, or have any other eyesores.

The above values are catalog values - read our Important Terminology page found at the top left in order to interpret them correctly.
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