Catalog
| Issuer | Berlin, Prussian province of |
|---|---|
| Year | |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Value | 20 Pfennigs (20 Pfennige) (0.20) |
| Currency | Mark (1914-1924) |
| Composition | Zinc |
| Weight | 2.4 g |
| Diameter | 22.1 mm |
| Thickness | 1.4 mm |
| Shape | Octagonal (8-sided) |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Men05#2065.5, Men18#2639.5 |
| Obverse description | Pearl rim, legend surrounding pearl circle with denomination in light bulb centered |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | ELEKTR ▪ WERK SÜDWEST ▪A▪G 20 ✶ BLN ▪ WILMERSDORF ✶ |
| Reverse description | Pearl rim, legend surrounding rope circle with denomination centered |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | KLEINGELDERSATZMARKE 20 ★ ★ ★ |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1192601780 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 20 Pfennig coin, issued by the Berlin-Wilmersdorf Elektr. Werk Südwest AG, dates from Germany's post-World War I economic instability, specifically the early 1920s. Amidst hyperinflation and severe coinage shortages, the Weimar Republic saw municipalities and private entities, like this Berlin electricity works, issue emergency currency, Notgeld. This piece underscores the critical role of local infrastructure providers in maintaining essential services and economic function during national monetary collapse.
Artistry: As with much Notgeld, the specific engraver for this 20 Pfennig piece is typically unrecorded, reflecting its utilitarian purpose over artistic attribution. The design adheres to a functional