In contrast to China and Japan, where coins were in circulation early on, large parts of the Asian, African and American continents were still considered "unmonetary zones" at the beginning of the 16th century. With the attainment of independence, many former colonies began to mint their own coins, often using symbols of their new-found freedom in their designs, such as the American Liberty. As a rule, the coinage initially remained European in both design and denomination. Recourse to their own pre-colonial past is only found on the coins at a late stage.

Coin circulation in Africa was rather low until modern times, and various pre-monetary forms such as stone and shell money were used as means of payment. Later colonial money often arrived from overseas in the baggage of the colonial powers and the earliest coinages are therefore copies of coins from the mother country with accompanying marks to identify the overseas country of origin. Probably the best-known trade coin of the 18th century was the Austrian Maria Theresa thaler, which was exported in large quantities from overseas to Africa and counterstamped there. 

Following independence from the colonial powers, many African countries began to introduce their own national currencies and coins. These coins were often designed with symbols and motifs to represent national identity and culture. Some countries, such as Ghana, also introduced special commemorative coins to honor significant historical events or personalities.

Throughout history there have been several German colonies. Each colony had its own local currency. These coins were available in different denominations and were used as a medium of exchange in trade and daily life. Today, they are sought after by collectors and historians alike, as they represent an important part of German colonial history. 

• German East Africa: German East Africa was a colony of the German Empire from 1885 to 1919. The official currency was the German East African Rupee. This currency was issued in various denominations, including coins and banknotes. 
• German South West Africa: German South West Africa existed as a German colony from 1884 to 1915. The official currency was the German South West African Mark. Both coins and banknotes were issued in this currency. 
• Kiautschou: Kiautschou was a German colony in China that existed from 1898 to 1914. The official currency was the Kiautschou dollar. Coins and banknotes were issued in this currency. 
• Cameroon: The former German colony in Cameroon existed between 1884 and 1916, where the German Cameroon Rupee was introduced as a means of payment. 
• Pacific: In the German colonies in the Pacific, especially in German New Guinea and the Caroline Islands, the German New Guinea Mark was the official currency. It was issued during German colonial rule from 1884 to 1919.

The first coins used in South America during the colonial period were Spanish coins. Spain was one of the major colonial powers in South America and brought its currency to the new colonies. The Real and the Escudo became the currencies of South America. These coins were made of gold or silver and had different values depending on their weight and purity. They were minted by the Spanish Crown and accepted as official means of payment in the colonies. In this way during the 16th and 17th centuries, the Spanish Empire developed an extensive coinage in South America, which today represents a delightful and extensive collecting area for overseas coins. Some coins were only intended for circulation in the colonies and are correspondingly rare today.

The first coins used during the colonial period in the areas that are now US territory were mostly foreign coins, especially Spanish coins such as the real and the escudo. As the British colonial power restricted the use of its own coins in the colonies, foreign coins were the predominant means of payment. In 1792, the Coinage Act was passed, allowing for the establishment of a separate mint, the United States Mint. This laid the foundation for the development of coinage history in the USA. 

The United States Mint began minting copper coins in 1793, known as half cents and large cents. Later, silver and gold coins were also introduced to meet the growing demand for means of payment. Over time, various coins and coin series were introduced, including the dime, the quarter, the half dollar and the world-famous US dollar. Some of the most famous historical coins include the Morgan Dollar and the Peace Dollar. 

Did you know: At times, metal money from overseas was so scarce in the North American colonies that paper money became particularly popular there due to a lack of alternatives.

The first Mexican coins were so-called cob coins, known for their rough and irregular appearance. These coins were made of precious metals such as silver and gold and often bore the coat of arms of Spain or the Spanish monarch. 

After the beginning of the struggle for independence from Spain in the early 19th century, Mexico developed its own coins. An important figure in the history of Mexican coinage was José María Morelos, a leader of the Mexican independence movement, who had his own coin, the "Moneda de Morelos", minted. 

After Mexico finally became independent in 1821, the Mexican Peso was introduced as the official currency. The first peso coins were minted from silver and often featured symbols of Mexican culture and history. 

From the mid-19th century to the present day, gold coins have been minted in Mexico. Most of the coins are made of high-quality gold – a fact that appeals to both investors and numismatists. Responsible for coin production is the Casa de Moneda de México, one of the oldest mints in the world and today a division of the Banco de México.

The first coins used in India during the colonial period were the so-called "honeycomb coins" or "punchmarked coins". These coins were minted in different parts of India since the 6th century BC and were characterized by unique mint marks and symbols. 

Over the centuries, India was colonised by various foreign powers, including the Maurya Empire, the Gupta Empire and the Delhi Sultanate. With the arrival of the European colonial powers in the 16th century, particularly the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British, the history of Indian coinage began to change. During the British colonial rule in India, Indian coinage was heavily influenced by the British. The East India Company introduced the "Bombay Presidency Rupee", the "Madras Presidency Rupee" and the "Bengal Presidency Rupee" in the 18th century. These rupees were later replaced by the "British Indian Rupee", which was the official currency throughout British India. 

After India's independence in 1947, the Indian government introduced its own currency, the "Indian Rupee". This currency is still used today in various denominations as coins and banknotes.

Today, many states in Africa and overseas mint attractive bullion coin series in silver, gold or platinum, which have opened the door to the world of numismatics for many collectors. Apart from their historic value, foreign coins are also worth money. Discover far more than 100 of the most valuable foreign coins and bring a piece of the big wide world home with the coins from Africa and overseas and experience the exciting history of overseas coins from all over the world. Also discover German coins from 1871 onwards in our coin shop. Our foreign coins value guide gives you insights into world history.

• Krause Publications (Krause/Mishler), Standard Catalog of World Coins (1601-Date), 5 volumes, Iola 2012 (annually updated edition). 
• Friedberg, A. L. / Friedberg, I. S.: Gold Coins of the World. From ancient times to the present, 8th edition, Clifton 2009. 
• Schön, G. / Schön, G.: Weltmünzkatalog 20.-21. Jahrhundert (1900-2012), 41st edition, Regenstauf 2013 (annually updated edition). 
• Schön, G. / Kahnt, H.: Weltmünzkatalog 19. Jahrhundert (1801-1900), 16th edition, Regenstauf 2013 (annually updated edition). 

The catalogues listed can only provide an overview of the collecting field of overseas coins. For the interested collector and historian, there are numerous special catalogues on the individual countries and regions.