1944-A German 10 Reichspfennig Swastika Coin
This 1944-A 10 Reichspfennig is a late-war artifact struck at the Berlin Mint (A) during the final stages of the European conflict. By 1944, the German economy was under extreme duress, leading to the use of highly impure zinc alloys for currency. This piece features the National Emblem—the Reichsadler (Imperial Eagle) clutching a wreathed swastika—on the obverse. While Berlin produced a substantial volume of approximately 144 million units this year, the survival rate of "clean" specimens is notably low. The reactive nature of these late-war planchets means they are frequently found with "zinc pest" (white oxidation and deep pitting). Collectors prioritize specimens that retain clear definition in the eagle’s talons and the swastika's edges, as these details were often lost due to deteriorating dies and poor metal quality. Please consult the photographs to evaluate the surface integrity and strike quality of this specific late-war issue.