Small German Coins: The Scherf and its Historical Role

Illustrated Specimen Details: Scherf (Wolgast)

Example Specimen: 1 scherf, 1591 (Duchy of Pomerania-Wolgast-Stolp)

Description & Details: Issued under the authority of Ernst Ludwig, who ruled as the Duke of Pomerania-Wolgast from 1569-1592. The coin features the heraldic symbol of the Pomeranian Griffin — a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion, combined with the head and wings of an eagle. This griffin served as the primary emblem for the Griffin dynasty and the city of Wolgast.

1. GERMANY (City of Berlin, Hamburg, Lübeck, Pomerania-Wolgast, etc. — 15th-17th centuries): 1 scherf = 1/2 pfennig coin
2. LIVONIA (Bishopric of Dorpat, Riga, Livonian Order — 15th-16th centuries): 1 scherf = 1/2 pfennig = 1/54 ferding

The origin of the Scherf coin name: The term is likely derived from the Middle High German word "scherben," meaning to cut. Historically, early silver coins of this type were minted with predetermined breaking points, allowing a 1-pfennig piece to be physically divided into two halves — resulting in two "scherfs" or "shards". The diminutive form, "scherflein", remains in the German idiom "sein scherflein zu etwas betragen" (to contribute one's little bit), signifying a small but meaningful contribution.

History and Characteristics of the Scherf

The Scherf was a small, low-value silver or billon coin and a fractional denomination used primarily in northern German urban monetary systems. It gained prominence during the late Middle Ages and continued into the early modern period, particularly within Hanseatic and city-state trade environments. It is most strongly associated with cities like Bremen, where it functioned as a vital local subsidiary unit.

Etymology and Economic Function

While not a standardized imperial currency, the Scherf existed as a regional denomination with many variations. The term reflects the fragmented nature of German medieval coinage. It was essential for micro-payments in everyday life, such as purchasing bread or basic market goods.

Value and Monetary Hierarchy

In the highly granular cash economies of German cities, the Scherf typically occupied the lowest tier:

• 1 Scherf = 1/2 heller coin or pfennig (varies by region).

Physical Characteristics

These coins are characterized by their extremely small size and simple design, often featuring:

• Composition: Initially low-content silver (billon), transitioning to copper in later issues.
• Weight: Frequently under 1 gram.
• Design: City symbols (such as the key of Bremen), crosses, or simple heraldic marks.

Historical Legacy

The Scherf reflects the complexity of the Hanseatic monetary systems, where multiple small denominations coexisted under strong local minting autonomy. The denomination eventually disappeared as monetary systems across German states underwent standardization and later currency reforms rendered such ultra-small units obsolete in favor of decimal hierarchies.