Anhalt-Köthen becomes extinct on the death of the Duke of Anhalt-Köthen, 23 November 1847, and its territories are united to Anhalt-Dessau by Patent of May 22, 1853.

Following the death of the last Duke of Anhalt-Bernburg on August 19, 1863, all of the Anhalt lands come under the rule of the Duke of Anhalt-Dessau who then takes the new title of Duke of Anhalt for the newly created Duchy of Anhalt.