Catalogus
| Uitgever | Zwiesel, City of |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 1917 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Waarde | 20 Pfennigs (20 Pfennige) (0.20) |
| Valuta | Mark (1914-1924) |
| Samenstelling | Zinc |
| Gewicht | 2.2 g |
| Diameter | 22.1 mm |
| Dikte | 1.1 mm |
| Vorm | Octagonal (8-sided) |
| Techniek | Milled |
| Oriëntatie | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | Funck#632.3, Men18#35512.3 |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Pearl rim, legend surrounding pearl circle with denomination centered |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift voorzijde | STADT ZWIESEL 1917 20 ★ |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Pearl rim, legend surrounding rope circle with denomination centered |
| Schrift keerzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift keerzijde | KRIEGSGELDERSATZMARKE 20 ★ ★ ★ |
| Rand | Plain |
| Muntplaats | |
| Oplage |
1917 - - 25 000 |
| Numisquare-ID | 1708495570 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
Historical Context: Issued by the City of Zwiesel in 1917, this 20 Pfennig coin is a direct consequence of World War I. Under Kaiser Wilhelm II, Germany faced severe metal shortages, diverting resources to the war. This necessitated widespread Notgeld (emergency money) issuance by municipalities. Struck in zinc, this Zwiesel coin served as crucial local currency, filling the void left by imperial coinage and ensuring daily commerce.
Artistry: The artistic style of this Zwiesel 20 Pfennig, typical for wartime Notgeld, prioritizes utilitarian function. Specific engraver details are generally unrecorded. The stylistic school is best characterized as pragmatic functionalism. The design likely features a clear "20 Pfennig" denomination, the issuer "Stadt Zwiesel," and the year "1917." The reverse might be plain or bear a simple civic emblem, reflecting its urgent purpose over artistic ambition.
Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, a common wartime substitute, this 20 Pfennig coin presents specific preservation challenges. High-points for wear and strike quality include raised lettering of the denomination and issuer, and any central device. Due to emergency production and zinc's softness, strikes are often weak or uneven, leading to indistinct details. Zinc is highly susceptible to "zinc pest" corrosion, which severely degrades surfaces, making sharply struck, well-preserved examples uncommon.