10 Pfennig - Worms

Historical Context: This 10 Pfennig piece from Worms, dated 1918, exemplifies German Notgeld from the final year of the First World War. Severe metal shortages diverted traditional coinage metals for the war effort, prompting municipalities like Worms to issue emergency money. Its blackened iron composition highlights the dire economic circumstances and scarcity of conventional coinage materials, essential for maintaining local commerce and providing small change.

Artistry: Specific engraver attribution is typically absent for such utilitarian emergency issues. The design of this 10 Pfennig Worms notgeld likely adheres to a functional aesthetic, prioritizing clear communication of value and issuer. Notgeld often incorporates local heraldry or simple civic emblems; for Worms, this might include its city crest or a straightforward inscription. The iron composition necessitates a robust, less intricate design, ensuring durability and ease of striking under wartime constraints.

Technical/Grading: The technical qualities of this iron notgeld are heavily influenced by its material and wartime production. High-points prone to wear or corrosion typically include raised lettering, any central motif, and the outer rim. Strike quality can vary significantly, with weaker strikes showing incomplete details. Crucially, the "blackened iron" finish, applied for aesthetics and corrosion resistance, is often prone to flaking or wear, exposing the underlying iron to rust. Grading must account for these material-specific degradations.