Catalog
| Issuer | Straßebersbach, Municipality of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1917 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Value | 20 Pfennigs (20 Pfennige) (0.20) |
| Currency | Mark (1914-1924) |
| Composition | Zinc |
| Weight | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 23.0 mm |
| Thickness | 1.1 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Funck#526.3, Men18#30410.4, Men18#30410.5 |
| Obverse description | Pearl rim, legend surrounding rope circle with denomination centered |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | GEMEINDE 20 ★ STRASSEBERSBACH ★ |
| Reverse description | Pearl rim, legend surrounding rope circle with denomination centered |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | KLEINGELDERSATZMARKE 20 ★ ★ ★ |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1917) - F#526.3 - ND (1917) - F#526.3a) Ø 23.0 mm, Reverse: extended baseline of 2 points to first leg of K - ND (1917) - F#526.3b) Ø 23.0 mm, Reverse: extended baseline of 2 points to the second leg of K. Röttinger-Nachprägung - 100 |
| Numisquare ID | 1148729550 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1917 20 Pfennig from the Municipality of Straßebersbach exemplifies Germany's World War I economic plight. Severe metal shortages forced the German Empire to withdraw traditional coinage for military use, leading to widespread local emergency currency, or Notgeld. Straßebersbach, like numerous communities, issued this zinc denomination to sustain local commerce amidst the absence of imperial small change. This coin reflects the national crisis and local economic stability efforts.
Artistry: The design of this 20 Pfennig piece, lacking an identified engraver, epitomizes the pragmatic aesthetic of wartime Notgeld. Crafted from readily available zinc, its artistry is primarily functional, prioritizing clear communication of