A Masterpiece of Colonial Numismatics

The Bird of Paradise 10 Pfennig Copper Coin (1894, German New Guinea)
An icon of beauty and symbolism — this coin stands as one of the most admired animal-themed colonial issues in global numismatics.

■ Design

Obverse:
A finely detailed Bird of Paradise, the national symbol of German New Guinea, perched on a branch.

Reverse:
Encircled by a palm wreath, the inscription reads:
"10 NEU GUINEA PFENNIG 1894"
Surrounding legend: "NEU-GUINEA COMPAGNIE"
This inscription refers to the German New Guinea Company, the colonial administration during that period.

■ Grade

MS65BN – Mint State (Brown)
View NGC Certification

Copper color designations:

• RD (Red): 95%+ original mint luster

• RB (Red-Brown): 5–95% red remaining

• BN (Brown): Less than 5% red, full brown patina

This coin features a rich, uniform brown tone — the result of natural oxidation over 130 years. It reflects both age and authenticity, making it a prized aesthetic feature among collectors.

■ Coin Details

• Issuing Country: German New Guinea

• Year: 1894

• Mint: Berlin (Mintmark “A”)

• Mintage: 100,000 coins, of which 76,070 were melted, leaving only 23,930 in circulation

• Metal: Bronze

• Weight: Approx. 10 g

• Diameter: Approx. 30 mm

• Certified Grade: MS65BN

• NGC Certified Population: 249

• Grade Ranking: 2nd highest (only one MS66 known)

■ Rarity

Although 100,000 pieces were originally struck, a massive 76% were melted following the transfer of colonial authority from the German New Guinea Company to the imperial government in 1899. This left only 23,930 coins in actual circulation.

Even more exceptional is the condition of this coin.
Copper coins are notoriously susceptible to corrosion, especially in tropical climates like New Guinea’s. To find a piece graded MS65 — with crisp details and untouched by the humid environment — is extraordinary.

NGC has graded just 20 coins at MS65, with only one higher (MS66).
This piece is among the finest survivors, making it a rare and prestigious acquisition for collectors of colonial coinage.

■ Condition

Graded Mint State 65 (MS65) by NGC, this coin is a superb high-grade example, with minimal handling marks, strong luster, and well-preserved surfaces.

The detail is especially evident in:

• The Bird of Paradise’s plumage

• The fine lettering within the wreath

• The precision of the crown, leaf tips, and wreath design

Even after nearly 130 years, the coin displays much of its original mint quality.
It is a standout in both preservation and artistic presentation — a true treasure in copper coinage.

■ Historical Context and Symbolism

The coin was minted during a brief but pivotal era in German colonial history.
In 1884, Germany claimed northeastern New Guinea and nearby islands, which were initially governed by the German New Guinea Company — a private chartered corporation.

By 1894, Germany began producing its own localized currency to stabilize trade and signal sovereignty. This single-year issue became part of a broader effort to unify currency under German control while symbolically embracing native culture.

The choice of the Bird of Paradise — instead of the imperial eagle — was significant. Native to the region and revered by local populations, it symbolized:

• Wealth and prosperity

• Harmony and beauty

• Colonial-national coexistence

In terms of design, the coin balances German minting precision with local symbolism, making it an artifact of both numismatic art and cross-cultural history.

■ Market Appeal

This 1894 Bird of Paradise 10 Pfennig is among the most sought-after copper colonial coins in the world.

Its value is driven by:

• Single-year issue status

• Low surviving population

• High-grade condition (MS65)

• Rich historical background

• Universal visual appeal

Collectors in Europe, North America, and Asia continue to pursue this series, often paying significant premiums for high-grade pieces.
When such examples do appear on the market, they are often acquired rapidly.

■ Final Assessment

This 1894 German New Guinea Bird of Paradise coin is more than a collectible — it is a fragment of colonial history, a masterpiece of 19th-century minting, and a powerful artistic statement.

Owning this coin means holding a story — of empires, art, nature, and symbolism — in your hand.
Its combination of rarity, condition, and cultural significance makes it an ideal addition to any world-class collection.

While still attractively priced compared to gold issues, its value is steadily rising in the global market.
We recommend adding this coin while it remains available.