10 Pfennig - Kellinghusen

Historical Context: This 10 Pfennig coin, issued by the City of Kellinghusen in 1917, emerged from the monetary shortages of World War I Germany. Imperial mints, prioritizing war production, caused a severe lack of small change. Kellinghusen, like hundreds of other municipalities, responded by issuing Notgeld (emergency money) to maintain local commerce. This zinc issue reflects the desperate need for circulating currency and the pragmatic solutions adopted by local authorities during national crisis.

Artistry: The engraver for this emergency issue is typically unrecorded, common for Notgeld produced under urgent circumstances. Stylistically, the coin adheres to a functional and utilitarian aesthetic, prioritizing clear legibility of the denomination and issuer over elaborate artistic embellishments. Its design likely featured the denomination, the issuing city's name, and the date, possibly with a simple municipal emblem. The emphasis was on practical circulation rather than artistic grandeur, reflecting the exigencies of wartime production.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, this coin presents challenges for preservation and grading. Zinc is a highly reactive metal, susceptible to corrosion, pitting, and oxidation, which can obscure design details. High-points, such as raised lettering and numerals, are often weakly struck due to the metal's properties and hurried production. Collectors should seek examples with minimal surface degradation, clear legends, and strong definition on central elements. Even minor wear can quickly obliterate finer details on these soft-metal issues.