10 Pfennig - Dillingen

Historical Context: This 10 Pfennig coin, issued by Dillingen an der Donau in 1917, is a prime example of German Notgeld during World War I. As the German Empire faced critical metal shortages, municipalities like Dillingen, a Bavarian city, were compelled to mint their own emergency currency. This local zinc coinage was essential for daily transactions, filling the void left by official currency diverted for the war effort, highlighting the severe economic strain across the nation.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this Dillingen 10 Pfennig piece reflects wartime necessity. Engravers, typically anonymous, prioritized clarity and function. The stylistic school is utilitarian, focusing on a straightforward display of the denomination, the issuing city's name, and the date. Notgeld often featured simple civic emblems or minimalist heraldry. The zinc medium and rapid production schedules inherently limited elaborate artistic expression, resulting in designs that were direct and legible.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, weighing 1.9 grams and measuring 19.6 millimeters, this coin's material presents unique grading challenges. Zinc is highly reactive, making these pieces prone to "zinc pest" (intergranular corrosion) and surface pitting, which quickly degrade details. High-points, such as legends and central motifs, are the first to show wear. Strike quality varies, with many examples exhibiting weaker, less defined strikes due to rapid production, worn dies, and the inherent properties of zinc planchets.