1 Pfennig - Greiffenberg

Historical Context: This 1 Pfennig coin from Greiffenberg, Silesia, issued in 1919, is a significant numismatic artifact from the immediate aftermath of World War I. The nascent Weimar Republic faced severe economic instability, hyperinflation, and a critical shortage of small change. As central mints struggled, German municipalities like Greiffenberg issued their own emergency currency, known as Notgeld. This coin thus exemplifies a decentralized response to a national monetary crisis, reflecting the profound economic dislocation of post-war Germany and the urgent need for local monetary solutions amidst widespread economic turmoil.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this Greiffenberg 1 Pfennig reflects the utilitarian yet regionally expressive nature of Notgeld. While the specific engraver is typically unrecorded for such emergency issues, the design adheres to a functional aesthetic, prioritizing clarity. The obverse would prominently display the "1 PFENNIG" denomination alongside the issuing authority, "STADT GREIFFENBERG." The reverse commonly featured the city's heraldic emblem, likely a griffin or an eagle, symbolizing its name and local identity, rendered in a straightforward, accessible style typical of the era's municipal emergency coinage.

Technical/Grading: Struck in iron, weighing 3.0 grams and measuring 18.8 millimeters, this coin presents specific preservation challenges. Iron planchets, chosen for their availability and low cost during material shortages, are highly susceptible to corrosion, pitting, and rust, often obscuring finer details. Key high-points for assessing strike quality and wear typically include the central elements of the city's crest on the reverse and the bolder lettering on both sides. Weak strikes, common for emergency issues, can result in incomplete details, particularly on outer legends or intricate design elements, even on otherwise well-preserved examples.