10 Pfennig - Regen Anna Roth Waldbeeren and Pilze Grosshandlung

Historical Context: This 10 Pfennig token, issued by Anna Roth Waldbeeren and Pilze Grosshandlung in Regen, Germany, exemplifies the Notgeld phenomenon prevalent during and after World War I, particularly the hyperinflationary period of the early 1920s. Amidst severe shortages of official coinage, local municipalities and private businesses issued emergency currency to maintain local commerce. These tokens served as vital interim tender, reflecting the profound economic instability of the Weimar Republic.

Artistry: Lacking specific engraver attribution, this token's design adheres to the utilitarian aesthetic common among Notgeld issues. Such pieces prioritize clear communication of denomination and issuer over elaborate artistic embellishment. The obverse would prominently display the business name and location, while the reverse would feature the denomination. Its design would likely be direct and functional, reflecting its purpose as a temporary medium of exchange.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, a metal chosen for availability and low cost during scarcity, this token presents specific challenges for preservation and grading. Zinc is relatively soft, susceptible to wear, corrosion, and planchet impurities, often leading to less crisp strikes than harder alloys. High points, typically raised lettering or any central device, are prone to flattening. Collectors often encounter these tokens in lower grades, with surface pitting or oxidation common, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable.