10 Pfennig - Neu-Ulm

Historical Context: This 1917 10 Pfennig coin from Neu-Ulm emerges from the tumultuous era of World War I, a period marked by profound economic strain within the German Empire. As traditional coinage metals like copper and nickel were diverted for the war effort, municipalities across Germany, including the Bavarian city of Neu-Ulm, resorted to issuing emergency currency, known as Notgeld. This zinc piece served as essential small change, facilitating daily commerce amidst widespread metal shortages, reflecting the desperate measures taken to maintain local economies.

Artistry: The design of this 10 Pfennig coin is characteristic of wartime Notgeld: utilitarian and functional, prioritizing clarity over elaborate artistic expression. While a specific engraver is typically not attributed for such municipal issues, the stylistic school leans towards a pragmatic, almost industrial aesthetic. The obverse likely features the issuing authority, "Stadt Neu-Ulm," and the denomination, "10 Pfennig," along with the year 1917. The reverse would typically carry minimal ornamentation, perhaps a simple legend or a stylized civic emblem, all executed with directness suitable for mass production.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, a metal chosen for its availability rather than its numismatic suitability, this coin presents specific challenges for grading. High points, such as the raised lettering and any minor design elements, are particularly susceptible to wear and strike weakness due to the metal's inherent softness and hurried production. Zinc planchets are also prone to surface irregularities, corrosion (zinc pest), and lamination errors. A strong strike would exhibit sharp, full details on the legends and a relatively smooth field, though such examples are scarce given the material and wartime manufacturing constraints.