10 Pfennig - Müllheim

Historical Context: The 1917 10 Pfennig from Müllheim is a prime example of German Notgeld, emergency money issued during World War I. With the Imperial government under Kaiser Wilhelm II diverting precious metals for the war, a severe shortage of small change crippled local commerce. Müllheim, like numerous municipalities, issued provisional coinage to sustain its economy. This piece serves as a tangible artifact of the economic strain and decentralized monetary policy on Germany's home front.

Artistry: As with many Notgeld issues, specific engraver details for the Müllheim 10 Pfennig are typically unrecorded, reflecting its utilitarian purpose over artistic grandeur. The stylistic school is functional and pragmatic. The design predictably features the issuing authority, "Stadt Müllheim," the denomination "10 Pfennig," and the year "1917." Often, such pieces incorporate a simple municipal emblem or a clear, unadorned textual layout, prioritizing legibility and swift wartime production.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, this 10 Pfennig coin presents unique challenges for preservation and grading. Zinc is prone to corrosion (zinc rot) and does not retain fine detail well. Key high-points for assessing wear include the raised lettering of "Müllheim" and the denomination. Technical strike qualities are often inconsistent; strikes can be soft, with planchet imperfections common. Even uncirculated examples may exhibit minor surface pitting or a lack of full sharpness due to the metal's inherent properties.