10 Pfennig - Sohren Clements Meinhardt

Historical Context: This 10 Pfennig coin from the Municipality of Sohren exemplifies German Notgeld, or emergency money, issued during World War I and its immediate aftermath, typically 1916-1923. The iron planchet was necessitated by the severe wartime shortage of traditional coinage metals. Sohren, in Rhineland-Palatinate, like many German towns, produced local currency to sustain commerce. The inclusion of "Clements Meinhardt" likely denotes a local official, merchant, or prominent entity involved in the issuance, reflecting the localized and often personalized nature of these essential wartime tokens.

Artistry: The design of this 10 Pfennig piece, without a named engraver, follows the utilitarian aesthetic common to Notgeld. These emergency coins prioritized clarity and function over elaborate artistry. The stylistic school is practical, focusing on legible denomination and issuer identification (Sohren, Municipality of). "Clements Meinhardt" in the name suggests either a private issue or a municipally sponsored one, influencing the design to incorporate this distinguishing local element.

Technical/Grading: Struck on an iron planchet (2.25 grams, 20.1 millimeters), this coin's technical qualities reflect emergency wartime production. High-points, such as raised lettering, are susceptible to wear. Due to rapid production and less sophisticated minting, strike quality can vary, often showing weaker strikes or planchet imperfections. Iron coins are inherently prone to corrosion and rust, significantly impacting preservation and grading. High-grade specimens with minimal surface degradation are thus particularly challenging to acquire.