20 Pfennig - Schrobenhausen

Historical Context: Issued by the City of Schrobenhausen in 1917, this 20 Pfennig coin exemplifies German Notgeld from the Great War. During World War I, the German Empire, including Bavaria, faced severe metal shortages as traditional coinage metals were diverted for military use. Municipalities like Schrobenhausen issued substitute coinage, often in zinc, to maintain local commerce. This emergency measure reflects the profound economic strain of the era, under the nominal rule of Bavarian King Ludwig III.

Artistry: The engraver for this municipal issue remains unrecorded, typical for wartime Notgeld where expediency was paramount. The design adheres to a functional, utilitarian aesthetic, characteristic of emergency coinage. It prioritizes clear communication of denomination and issuer over elaborate artistic flourishes. Its simplicity reflects the pragmatic demands of production, focusing on legibility and ease of manufacture under duress, rather than intricate decorative elements or specific stylistic schools.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, a metal prone to corrosion and wear, this 20 Pfennig coin presents unique grading challenges. High-points for wear include the raised lettering of the denomination and city name, and any central motif. Strike quality often exhibits weakness or unevenness inherent to zinc and rapid wartime production. Collectors also contend with "zinc rot," intergranular corrosion causing pitting or flaking, significantly impacting preservation and numerical grade.