10 Pfennig - Weida

Historical Context: This 1918 10 Pfennig coin from the City of Weida, within Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, reflects the dire economic realities of World War I's final year. Issued as Notgeld, or emergency money, it encapsulates the severe metal shortages plaguing the German state, which prioritized strategic metals for the war effort. Local municipalities like Weida provided essential small change, ensuring local commerce. Its iron composition is a stark testament to the era's material deprivation and the widespread need for substitutes.

Artistry: Specific engraver details for such utilitarian wartime issues are often unrecorded; the coin’s design adheres to a pragmatic, functional aesthetic. Typical for Notgeld, artistry prioritizes legibility and clear communication of denomination and issuing authority over elaborate embellishment. The obverse likely presents "10 PFENNIG" and "1918", while the reverse features "STADT WEIDA" or "WEIDA", possibly with a simple municipal emblem. This minimalist approach was characteristic of urgent, mass-production requirements for emergency coinage.

Technical/Grading: The iron composition of this 10 Pfennig dictates its technical strike qualities and grading considerations. High-points typically include the raised elements of the legend, the numeral "10", and the outer rim. Due to iron's nature and wartime production, strikes can often be weaker than on precious metal issues, leading to softness in fine details, particularly on lettering edges or intricate design elements. Planchet quality may vary, and surface corrosion (rust) is a primary grading concern, often obscuring details and impacting preservation.