This German coin is a 1st year East German 1 Pfennig, dated 1948. Formally known as the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR), the German Democratic Republic (1948-1990). The DDR was the eastern, Soviet supported, successor of the Großdeutsches Reich (1933-1945). The DDR was disbanded with the reunification of Germany, on 3 October 1990.
The coin is a smooth-edged design made of aluminum and weighs 0.7 g. Its dimensions are 17mm (0.067 in) wide and 1.6mm (0.063) in thick. Making it roughly similar in size to a US Penny (17.91/0.705 in), in that respect.
Observe
The observe utilizes a fairly simple and practical design. A testament to the austerity the period it minted and the general political mentality of the DDR. The center features a large number "1", its surface is raised and angular. To the far left and right are 4-pointed stars, one of the observer's few embellishments. Above is the text "Deutschland" (German) and below "Pfennig".
Reverse
The reverse is sparse features a large cog beneath a large spike of wheat. The cog represents the industrial worker, while the wheat spike represents the peasant (farm laborer). The wheat spikes stem splits the coin's issue date, 1948. With "19" on the left and "48" to the right.
The 1952 version of the 1 pfennig features an altered reverse. It replaces original cog and wheat design, with a hammer and compass, flanked by 2 wheat spikes. The hammer representing the industrial worker and the compass representing the intellectual/specialized laborer.
Size Comparison
Additional Notes
The East German Mark ISO code was DDM, it used M as it's official symbol.
Just as previous German Marks, the East German Mark was divided into 100 Pfennig.
East German coins were nicknamed "alu-chips", because they were minted from aluminum.
Common coins ranged from 1 Pfennig to 2 Marks, hence why banknotes began at 5 Marks.