Name of German Currency: A Comprehensive Guide

The German currency has a rich history, evolving from various forms of money to the modern Euro. Understanding the names of past German currencies provides insight into the country's economic and historical development. This guide delves into the diverse names of German currency, providing detailed explanations for each.
1. **Mark:** The Mark was the official currency of Germany from 1871 until 1948. It was named after the St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, and symbolized the city's commercial power.
2. **Pfennig:** The Pfennig was a subunit of the German Mark, equivalent to 1/100th of a Mark. It is believed to have originated from the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
3. **Reichsmark:** The Reichsmark, meaning "Empire Mark," was the currency of Germany during the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany, from 1924 to 1948. It was designed to replace the chaotic paper money of the hyperinflation period.
4. **Deutsche Mark (DM):** The Deutsche Mark, often referred to as the "D-Mark," was the currency of West Germany from 1948 to 2002. It symbolized economic stability and recovery following World War II.
5. **Ostmark:** The Ostmark was the currency of East Germany from 1948 to 1990. It was introduced as a counterpart to the Deutsche Mark in West Germany.
6. **Euro:** The Euro is the official currency of the Eurozone, including Germany, since 2002. It is a symbol of European integration and economic cooperation.
7. **Taler:** The Taler was a silver coin used in Germany and other parts of Europe from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It was a significant currency, particularly in the Holy Roman Empire.
8. **Gulden:** The Gulden was a gold coin used in Germany and other European countries from the 14th to the 19th centuries. It played an important role in the German economy during the Middle Ages.
9. **Kreuzer:** The Kreuzer was a subunit of the Taler and Gulden, and was used in Germany and other parts of Europe from the 15th to the 19th centuries. It was named after the cross, a symbol of Christianity.
10. **Groschen:** The Groschen was a silver coin used in Germany and other parts of Europe from the 13th to the 19th centuries. It was often used for everyday transactions.
11. **Pfennig (Bavaria):** The Bavarian Pfennig was a subunit of the Bavarian Gulden, used in the Kingdom of Bavaria from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
12. **Kreuzer (Bavaria):** The Bavarian Kreuzer was a subunit of the Bavarian Taler, used in the Kingdom of Bavaria from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the cross, a symbol of Christianity.
13. **Gulden (Prussia):** The Prussian Gulden was a currency used in the Kingdom of Prussia from the 18th to the 19th centuries. It was a significant currency in the region.
14. **Thaler (Prussia):** The Prussian Thaler was a currency used in the Kingdom of Prussia from the 18th to the 19th centuries. It was a significant currency in the region.
15. **Silbergroschen:** The Silbergroschen, meaning "silver groschen," was a silver coin used in Germany and other parts of Europe from the 14th to the 19th centuries. It was a common currency for everyday transactions.
16. **Goldgulden:** The Goldgulden, meaning "gold gulden," was a gold coin used in Germany and other parts of Europe from the 14th to the 19th centuries. It was a valuable currency for larger transactions.
17. **Silbertaler:** The Silbertaler, meaning "silver taler," was a silver coin used in Germany and other parts of Europe from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It was a significant currency, particularly in the Holy Roman Empire.
18. **Goldtaler:** The Goldtaler, meaning "gold taler," was a gold coin used in Germany and other parts of Europe from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It was a valuable currency for larger transactions.
19. **Schilling:** The Schilling was a currency used in Austria and parts of Germany from the 16th to the 20th centuries. It was named after a type of small coin.
20. **Krone:** The Krone was a currency used in Austria, Hungary, and some German states from the 19th to the 20th centuries. It was named after the crown, a symbol of royalty.
21. **Pfenning (Hamburg):** The Hamburg Pfenning was a subunit of the Hamburg Mark, used in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg from 1871 to 1914. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
22. **Mark (Hamburg):** The Hamburg Mark was the currency of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg from 1871 to 1914. It was named after the St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, and symbolized the city's commercial power.
23. **Pfenning (Bremen):** The Bremen Pfenning was a subunit of the Bremen Mark, used in the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen from 1871 to 1914. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
24. **Mark (Bremen):** The Bremen Mark was the currency of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen from 1871 to 1914. It was named after the St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, and symbolized the city's commercial power.
25. **Pfenning (Lübeck):** The Lübeck Pfenning was a subunit of the Lübeck Mark, used in the Free and Hanseatic City of Lübeck from 1871 to 1914. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
26. **Mark (Lübeck):** The Lübeck Mark was the currency of the Free and Hanseatic City of Lübeck from 1871 to 1914. It was named after the St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, and symbolized the city's commercial power.
27. **Pfenning (Frankfurt):** The Frankfurt Pfenning was a subunit of the Frankfurt Mark, used in the Free City of Frankfurt from 1871 to 1914. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
28. **Mark (Frankfurt):** The Frankfurt Mark was the currency of the Free City of Frankfurt from 1871 to 1914. It was named after the St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, and symbolized the city's commercial power.
29. **Pfenning (Württemberg):** The Württemberg Pfenning was a subunit of the Württemberg Gulden, used in the Kingdom of Württemberg from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
30. **Gulden (Württemberg):** The Württemberg Gulden was the currency of the Kingdom of Württemberg from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
31. **Pfenning (Baden):** The Baden Pfenning was a subunit of the Baden Gulden, used in the Grand Duchy of Baden from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
32. **Gulden (Baden):** The Baden Gulden was the currency of the Grand Duchy of Baden from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
33. **Pfenning (Saxony):** The Saxony Pfenning was a subunit of the Saxony Thaler, used in the Kingdom of Saxony from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
34. **Thaler (Saxony):** The Saxony Thaler was the currency of the Kingdom of Saxony from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
35. **Pfenning (Hanover):** The Hanover Pfenning was a subunit of the Hanover Mark, used in the Kingdom of Hanover from 1800 to 1866. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
36. **Mark (Hanover):** The Hanover Mark was the currency of the Kingdom of Hanover from 1800 to 1866. It was named after the St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, and symbolized the city's commercial power.
37. **Pfenning (Mecklenburg-Schwerin):** The Mecklenburg-Schwerin Pfenning was a subunit of the Mecklenburg-Schwerin Thaler, used in the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
38. **Thaler (Mecklenburg-Schwerin):** The Mecklenburg-Schwerin Thaler was the currency of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
39. **Pfenning (Mecklenburg-Strelitz):** The Mecklenburg-Strelitz Pfenning was a subunit of the Mecklenburg-Strelitz Thaler, used in the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
40. **Thaler (Mecklenburg-Strelitz):** The Mecklenburg-Strelitz Thaler was the currency of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
41. **Pfenning (Oldenburg):** The Oldenburg Pfenning was a subunit of the Oldenburg Thaler, used in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
42. **Thaler (Oldenburg):** The Oldenburg Thaler was the currency of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
43. **Pfenning (Brunswick):** The Brunswick Pfenning was a subunit of the Brunswick Thaler, used in the Duchy of Brunswick from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
44. **Thaler (Brunswick):** The Brunswick Thaler was the currency of the Duchy of Brunswick from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
45. **Pfenning (Anhalt):** The Anhalt Pfenning was a subunit of the Anhalt Thaler, used in the Duchy of Anhalt from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
46. **Thaler (Anhalt):** The Anhalt Thaler was the currency of the Duchy of Anhalt from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
47. **Pfenning (Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach):** The Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach Pfenning was a subunit of the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach Thaler, used in the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
48. **Thaler (Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach):** The Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach Thaler was the currency of the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
49. **Pfenning (Saxe-Coburg and Gotha):** The Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Pfenning was a subunit of the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Thaler, used in the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
50. **Thaler (Saxe-Coburg and Gotha):** The Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Thaler was the currency of the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
51. **Pfenning (Saxe-Meiningen):** The Saxe-Meiningen Pfenning was a subunit of the Saxe-Meiningen Thaler, used in the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
52. **Thaler (Saxe-Meiningen):** The Saxe-Meiningen Thaler was the currency of the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
53. **Pfenning (Saxe-Altenburg):** The Saxe-Altenburg Pfenning was a subunit of the Saxe-Altenburg Thaler, used in the Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
54. **Thaler (Saxe-Altenburg):** The Saxe-Altenburg Thaler was the currency of the Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
55. **Pfenning (Saxe-Hildburghausen):** The Saxe-Hildburghausen Pfenning was a subunit of the Saxe-Hildburghausen Thaler, used in the Duchy of Saxe-Hildburghausen from 1800 to 1826. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
56. **Thaler (Saxe-Hildburghausen):** The Saxe-Hildburghausen Thaler was the currency of the Duchy of Saxe-Hildburghausen from 1800 to 1826. It was a significant currency in the region.
57. **Pfenning (Saxe-Lauenburg):** The Saxe-Lauenburg Pfenning was a subunit of the Saxe-Lauenburg Thaler, used in the Duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
58. **Thaler (Saxe-Lauenburg):** The Saxe-Lauenburg Thaler was the currency of the Duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
59. **Pfenning (Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt):** The Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt Pfenning was a subunit of the Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt Thaler, used in the Principality of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
60. **Thaler (Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt):** The Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt Thaler was the currency of the Principality of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
61. **Pfenning (Schwarzburg-Sondershausen):** The Schwarzburg-Sondershausen Pfenning was a subunit of the Schwarzburg-Sondershausen Thaler, used in the Principality of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
62. **Thaler (Schwarzburg-Sondershausen):** The Schwarzburg-Sondershausen Thaler was the currency of the Principality of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
63. **Pfenning (Reuss-Greiz):** The Reuss-Greiz Pfenning was a subunit of the Reuss-Greiz Thaler, used in the Principality of Reuss-Greiz from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
64. **Thaler (Reuss-Greiz):** The Reuss-Greiz Thaler was the currency of the Principality of Reuss-Greiz from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
65. **Pfenning (Reuss-Schleiz):** The Reuss-Schleiz Pfenning was a subunit of the Reuss-Schleiz Thaler, used in the Principality of Reuss-Schleiz from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
66. **Thaler (Reuss-Schleiz):** The Reuss-Schleiz Thaler was the currency of the Principality of Reuss-Schleiz from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
67. **Pfenning (Lippe):** The Lippe Pfenning was a subunit of the Lippe Thaler, used in the Principality of Lippe from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
68. **Thaler (Lippe):** The Lippe Thaler was the currency of the Principality of Lippe from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
69. **Pfenning (Schaumburg-Lippe):** The Schaumburg-Lippe Pfenning was a subunit of the Schaumburg-Lippe Thaler, used in the Principality of Schaumburg-Lippe from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
70. **Thaler (Schaumburg-Lippe):** The Schaumburg-Lippe Thaler was the currency of the Principality of Schaumburg-Lippe from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
71. **Pfenning (Waldeck):** The Waldeck Pfenning was a subunit of the Waldeck Thaler, used in the Principality of Waldeck from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
72. **Thaler (Waldeck):** The Waldeck Thaler was the currency of the Principality of Waldeck from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.
73. **Pfenning (Hohenzollern):** The Hohenzollern Pfenning was a subunit of the Hohenzollern Thaler, used in the Principality of Hohenzollern from 1800 to 1871. It was named after the Latin term "penningus," meaning "small coin."
74. **Thaler (Hohenzollern):** The Hohenzollern Thaler was the currency of the Principality of Hohenzollern from 1800 to 1871. It was a significant currency in the region.