The 1764 Germany Anhalt-Zerbst 16 Pfennig (KM #46) is a historically significant and extremely rare silver coin from one of the smaller German principalities of the Holy Roman Empire era. It was issued under the rule of Prince Frederick Augustus of Anhalt-Zerbst, a duchy located in central Germany that had strong ties to the Russian royal family—most notably through Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst, who became Catherine the Great of Russia.
Struck in silver, the 16 Pfennig denomination features typical 18th-century Germanic design motifs: a bust or heraldic emblem of the Anhalt-Zerbst principality on the obverse, and numeration or local coat of arms details on the reverse. The coin’s KM#46 designation identifies it as part of the limited-issue fractional taler system, and the known surviving examples are exceptionally scarce. It weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.5 grams with a diameter around 20 mm, though small variances exist due to the primitive minting process of the mid-1700s.
Very few pieces have been certified, and NGC census data lists a population in the low single digits, with none graded higher than Mint State (MS) condition. An example graded NGC UNC (Uncirculated) would rank near the top of known survivors, making it a highly desirable collector’s item for those specializing in pre-1871 German States coinage. Auction comparables for related denominations and years (particularly Anhalt-Zerbst 2/3 Talers and Pfennigs from the 1740s–1760s) have realized from $400 to $1,200, with rare uncirculated examples sometimes exceeding $2,000 due to their low population and historical importance.
In summary, the 1764 Anhalt-Zerbst 16 Pfennig KM#46 NGC UNC is an exceptionally rare artifact of early German princely coinage, showcasing refined hand-engraving and limited production under fragile political conditions. With its low population and strong preservation, it represents an outstanding acquisition for advanced collectors of minor German states and Holy Roman Empire issues.
















