10 Pfennig - Wasseralfingen

Historical Context: This 10 Pfennig coin from Wasseralfingen, issued in 1917, is a poignant numismatic artifact from World War I. The municipality, within the German Empire, faced severe metal shortages due to the war effort. The choice of iron, a non-traditional coinage material, directly reflects these economic exigencies. Such "Notgeld" or emergency issues by local authorities were vital for sustaining daily commerce when imperial coinage became scarce, highlighting the decentralized response to wartime economic strain.

Artistry: The design of this 10 Pfennig piece, typical of wartime Notgeld, prioritizes legibility and functionality. A specific engraver is generally unrecorded for municipal issues, with the stylistic school aligning with utilitarian wartime production. The obverse typically features the denomination "10 Pfennig" and "Wasseralfingen," while the reverse bears "1917." The aesthetic is clean and direct, reflecting the urgent need for circulating currency rather than artistic expression, often employing simple fonts and minimal ornamentation.

Technical/Grading: Struck in iron, a challenging medium, this piece exhibits characteristics common to wartime emergency issues. High-points for wear and strike analysis are primarily the raised lettering and numerals, especially the "10" and town name. Technical strike qualities vary; some examples show sharp impressions, others weaker strikes, particularly at the periphery, due to rapid production and iron's properties. The material is highly susceptible to corrosion, significantly impacting preservation and grading through pitting or surface discoloration.