These come in a few varieties (large or small crown, curled L's, last L curled, or pointed L's). They were also made in bronze & copper, both of which were sourced from a German Cruiser that was scuttled after being trapped in a river delta by an overwhelming British force. Conflicting sources claim that one of the ships brass cannons was melted down to make >1.3 million of these, and a further 300k were made from copper (mostly wiring within the ship?). Other sources mention the use of brass shell casings. This example is clashed and broadstruck, illustrating the difficulties of minting siege currency (especially in primitive, tropical conditions). I believe it is a type B obverse / type B reverse, minted on a brass planchet. All of the copper examples I've seen have a markedly reddish color, while this has a yellow/golden tone.
Fascinating, I was unaware that materials scavenged from the SMS Königsberg were used in the production of Tabora Emergency coinage. Now you have me wanting an example for my own collection.
The broadstrike compounds grading problems inherent in these coins. Especially by the time the second curled L had broken, the dies were extremely degraded and worn. Even uncirculated examples from late in the series can look like they were dragged behind a car. My opinion is that this one was cleaned, but I can't judge the detail grade beyond that.
Are there any other "made from" coins in your collection? I have a piece of Irish gun money, and some of the Japanese aluminum yen from 1944 were supposedly made from scrapped or downed planes. I've been wanting an 1848 "CAL" quarter eagle and some of the Dutch or Proto-German siege coins made from unusual material sources. Are there any other pieces or series that would fit this category?
Based on The Standard catalog Of World coins, the coins issued for Moldavia and Wallachia during the Russo - Turkish war were made from the bronze of captured Turkish cannons. Moldavia Wallachia - 3 Dengi / 1 Para, 1772. Sadagura mint, C#2.2. Coinage during the siege of Antwerp minted from cannons captured by the French. Antwerp Siege coinage - 10 Centimes, 1814
"Nepal Bullet Paisa" made from WWII rifle cartridges. https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces15218.html Nepal - 4 Paisa, 1955
