2 Pfennig - Roth bei Nürnberg

Historical Context: This 1918 2 Pfennig from Roth bei Nürnberg exemplifies German notgeld issued during World War I. Part of the Kingdom of Bavaria, the city faced critical small change shortages due to the war's demands on strategic metals. Iron use was a direct consequence of national metal requisitioning, underscoring severe economic conditions and local efforts to sustain daily commerce amidst the conflict's devastating impact under Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Artistry: The design of this emergency issue reflects a pragmatic, utilitarian aesthetic, typical of wartime necessity. A specific engraver is generally unrecorded for such municipal notgeld; the stylistic school prioritized functionalism. The coin likely features the denomination, "Roth bei Nürnberg," and the date, rendered in clear, legible typography. Ornamentation would have been minimal, perhaps a simplified municipal emblem, focusing on legibility and efficient production on scarce iron planchets.

Technical/Grading: Struck in iron, this 2 Pfennig coin presents unique technical and grading challenges. Key high-points for wear assessment include raised lettering and simple design elements. Due to emergency production and material, strikes can often be less precise, showing varying sharpness and planchet imperfections. Iron's susceptibility to corrosion makes surface preservation—absence of rust, pitting, or environmental damage—a critical grading factor. Evenly struck examples with sharp legends and minimal degradation are highly desirable.