10 Pfennig Gewerbebank

Historical Context: This 10 Pfennig coin, issued by the City of Neuburg an der Donau in 1917, emerged during the tumultuous final years of World War I under the reign of King Ludwig III of Bavaria and Emperor Wilhelm II of the German Empire. As a piece of Notgeld (emergency money), its issuance underscores the severe metal shortages and economic dislocations that compelled municipalities to create their own currency to maintain local commerce and provide small change. The "Gewerbebank" designation suggests a connection to a local commercial or trade bank, highlighting the crucial role of such institutions in wartime economic stability.

Artistry: While the specific engraver for this municipal Notgeld issue remains largely unrecorded, typical for wartime emergency coinage, the design of this 10 Pfennig piece likely adheres to a simplified, utilitarian aesthetic common in its genre. Designs often featured the city's coat of arms, local landmarks, or allegorical representations of industry and banking, reflecting the 'Gewerbebank' designation. The stylistic school would generally prioritize legibility over intricate detail, often executed in a pragmatic realist or folk art manner, characteristic of expedient local production under wartime constraints.

Technical/Grading: Struck from a base metal, the technical quality of Notgeld issues like this 10 Pfennig often varies significantly. High-points for wear would typically include the highest relief elements of the city crest or any central allegorical figures, as well as the outer rim and lettering. Collectors should expect an inconsistent strike, frequently exhibiting weakness in central devices or along the periphery, and potentially minor planchet imperfections or unevenness. The overall strike quality tends to reflect the urgent and often less sophisticated production methods of the period.