Pfennig

The Pfennig (plural: Pfennige) was a historical German coin that served as a monetary unit in various German-speaking regions for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the Carolingian denarius, introduced during the reign of Charlemagne in the 8th century.

The Pfennig's value and metal content varied considerably throughout its history and across different German states and cities. Initially made of silver, its silver content gradually diminished over time, often leading to devaluation. Different types of Pfennige emerged, including the Hellerpfennig (Heller), a thinner and smaller version.

Following German unification in 1871, the Pfennig became a subunit of the Mark (Goldmark), with 100 Pfennige equaling one Mark. After World War II, with the introduction of the Deutsche Mark (DM) in West Germany and the Mark der DDR in East Germany, the Pfennig remained a subunit, again with 100 Pfennige to one Mark.

The Deutsche Mark was replaced by the Euro in 2002. While Germany no longer uses the Pfennig, its historical significance as a foundational element of German currency endures. The Pfennig is often referenced in historical texts and discussions about German economic history. The term also continues to exist idiomatically, often representing a small amount of money.