10 Pfennig - Pressath

Historical Context: This 10 Pfennig coin, issued by the City of Pressath in 1917, is a poignant artifact of Germany's economic landscape during World War I. As the central government diverted strategic metals like copper and nickel for the war effort, municipalities across the German Empire, including Pressath in Bavaria, were compelled to issue their own emergency currency, known as Notgeld. This particular zinc denomination reflects the severe material shortages and the urgent need for small change to maintain local commerce amidst widespread inflation and the collapse of the standard monetary system under Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Artistry: Given its wartime Notgeld status, the artistry of this 10 Pfennig coin is primarily utilitarian rather than ornate. Specific engravers for such municipal issues are rarely recorded, with designs typically executed by local die-cutters or standard minting operations following basic municipal specifications. The stylistic school leans towards functionalism, prioritizing clear legibility of the denomination, issuer, and date. While lacking elaborate artistic flourishes, the design would likely feature the city's name and value, possibly incorporating a simplified civic emblem or coat of arms, reflecting a pragmatic aesthetic born of necessity and resource scarcity.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, this coin presents unique challenges for preservation and grading. Zinc is a soft, reactive metal prone to corrosion, often manifesting as "zinc pest" or pitting, which can significantly degrade its surface. High-points, typically the raised elements of lettering or any central device, are vulnerable to both wear and environmental damage. Strikes are frequently weak or uneven due to the metal's properties and the hurried production of Notgeld, leading to incomplete details. Collectors should look for well-defined legends and minimal surface degradation, as pristine examples are exceptionally rare for this wartime emergency coinage.