Crailsheim issued this zinc notgeld piece in 1917 as the Imperial German military's insatiable demand for copper and nickel had stripped the regular coinage system bare. Municipalities across Württemberg were left to fend for themselves, contracting with local foundries to produce whatever small change their markets required. Zinc was the expedient answer — abundant, cheap, and deeply unpopular with the public, who found it corroded quickly in pocket wear.
Crailsheim issued this zinc notgeld piece in 1917 as the Imperial German military's insatiable demand for copper and nickel had stripped the regular coinage system bare. Municipalities across Württemberg were left to fend for themselves, contracting with local foundries to produce whatever small change their markets required. Zinc was the expedient answer — abundant, cheap, and deeply unpopular with the public, who found it corroded quickly in pocket wear.