Aalen's zinc notgeld issues of 1917 emerged from the same wartime metal shortage that stripped Germany's official coinage of its copper and nickel — both redirected to munitions production after the Reichstag authorized emergency substitute currency for municipalities in 1916. Small Württemberg towns like Aalen were left to commission their own pieces through local foundries, which accounts for the inconsistent striking quality seen across the type.
Aalen's zinc notgeld issues of 1917 emerged from the same wartime metal shortage that stripped Germany's official coinage of its copper and nickel — both redirected to munitions production after the Reichstag authorized emergency substitute currency for municipalities in 1916. Small Württemberg towns like Aalen were left to commission their own pieces through local foundries, which accounts for the inconsistent striking quality seen across the type.