10 Pfennig - Regenwalde

Historical Context: The 1918 10 Pfennig from the City of Regenwalde (now Resko, Poland) exemplifies German Notgeld, emergency money issued during the final, desperate year of World War I. With the central government unable to supply adequate coinage due to severe metal shortages and inflation, municipalities issued their own currency. This iron piece underscores the dire economic conditions and the necessity for local solutions, reflecting the impending collapse of the German Empire under Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Artistry: Consistent with the utilitarian nature of wartime Notgeld, the 10 Pfennig Regenwalde coin typically features a functional, unadorned design. While a specific engraver is generally unrecorded, the aesthetic adheres to a pragmatic, straightforward style, prioritizing clarity. The obverse likely displays the denomination and issuing authority, while the reverse bears the date and possibly a simplified municipal emblem or text, all rendered with simplicity dictated by rapid production and the base metal.

Technical/Grading: Struck on an iron planchet, this 10 Pfennig coin often exhibits technical limitations inherent to its wartime production. High-points for preservation include the sharpness of lettering and any minor details within a potential city crest. However, iron's susceptibility to corrosion and frequently weak, uneven strikes due to hastily prepared dies and planchets mean well-preserved examples with full detail are scarce. Surface pitting and planchet flaws are common, significantly impacting potential grades.