10 Pfennig - Kitzingen

Historical Context: The 1917 10 Pfennig coin from Kitzingen, City of, represents a critical numismatic artifact from the era of World War I. Issued under the German Empire, this piece is a prime example of Notgeld, or emergency money, necessitated by severe metal shortages and the breakdown of central monetary supply for small denominations. Kitzingen, a Bavarian city, like countless other municipalities, resorted to local issues to maintain commerce. The use of zinc, a base and readily available metal, underscores the wartime exigencies, replacing traditional copper-nickel alloys and reflecting the widespread economic disruption and material rationing of the period.

Artistry: The design of this 10 Pfennig coin typically reflects the utilitarian aesthetic common to wartime Notgeld. While a specific engraver is rarely attributed for such issues, the stylistic school leans towards functionalism, often incorporating local heraldry or simple textual elements. Kitzingen's issues commonly feature the city's coat of arms—a stylized gate with towers—on one side, symbolizing civic identity, alongside the denomination, issuer, and date. The reverse would typically display the denomination and perhaps a simple legend, prioritizing clarity and ease of production over elaborate artistic flourishes, a hallmark of emergency currency.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, this coin measures 20.0 mmmm in diameter and weighs 1.72 gg. The inherent softness and reactivity of zinc mean that strike quality can vary, and corrosion is a significant factor in preservation and grading. High points susceptible to wear or oxidation typically include the raised elements of the city gate, such as the tops of the towers or the details within the archway, as well as the edges and serifs of the lettering. Full details, particularly on the inner parts of the gate or the finer lines of the legend, often show weakness even on well-preserved examples due to typical die wear and the characteristics of the planchet material.