German Third Reich 50 Reichspfennig Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1938-1939)

The 50 Pfennig was a late addition to the lineup of new coin design; in fact, no 50 Pfennigs were struck in either 1936 or 1937 despite prolific production of 1, 2, 5, and 20 Pfennigs and 1, 2 and 5 Marks during those years. As with all those other denominations, this series was short-lived because of the need for Nickel in the war effort. Thus, in 1939, this type was replaced with a different version that was larger and made of aluminum. Although no date in this series is particularly rare, it is surprisingly difficult to complete a set in Uncirculated condition.