Exploring Colonial Currency in German East Africa

Sep 29, 2024

Noon Misma Talks Lecture: Colonial Currency of German East Africa

Introduction

  • Presenter: Douglas Mudd, Curator and Director at the American Numismatic Association, Edward C. Rocha Money Museum
  • Topic: Exploration of numismatic history in German East Africa
  • Context: Region's history and its numismatic implications

Historical Background

Early History

  • Pre-19th Century: Coast colonized by Arab slave traders
  • Islam's Influence: Spread into Central Africa
  • Trade: Arab caravans traded slaves and ivory

Colonial Interest and Influence

  • 19th Century: Lack of central currency; emergence of cowrie shells, Indian rupees, and Maria Theresa Thalers
  • European Exploration: Influenced by missionaries and explorers like Richard Burton, John Speake, David Livingstone

German Colonization

  • Berlin Conference 1884-85: European powers divided Africa; Germany acquired territories
  • German East Africa Company 1885: Formation and treaties with local chiefs, recognized by Germany

Numismatic Development

Initial Coinage

  • Pesa System: Introduced by the German East Africa Company
  • Coins: Based on Indian Pesa; later replaced by coinage tied to the German mark

Government Coinage

  • German Mark: Rupee tied to German mark; multiple coin denominations introduced
  • Coin Design: William II profile; Imperial Eagle and Lion on coins

World War I Impact

  • Von Lettow-Vorbeck: Led guerrilla warfare; held off Allied forces
  • Wartime Coinage: Emergency coins and notes produced due to blockades

Paper Currency

  • Private and Emergency Notes: Issued to address small change shortages
  • Deutsche Ostafrikanische Bank: Issued official notes starting 1905

Wartime Emergency Currency

  • Interim Banknotes: Printed locally due to shortages
  • Design and Production: Basic design; practical for emergency use

Legacy and Aftermath

  • Von Lettow-Vorbeck: Became a national hero; maintained troop loyalty
  • Post-War: German colonies remembered; former troops honored in Germany

Conclusion

  • Key Takeaways: Complexity of German East Africa's numismatic history
  • Impact: Remained significant in numismatic and world history
  • Q&A: Covered the T mint mark used for emergency coins in Tabora

Final Thoughts

  • Presentation Highlights: History intertwined with numismatics
  • Further Study: Encouraged due to richness of stories and historical anecdotes

Please refer to the recording available on the eLearning Academy for more details and upcoming programs.