25 Pfennig - Burgsteinfurt

Historical Context: Issued in 1917, this 25 Pfennig coin from Burgsteinfurt emerged from the tumultuous World War I era within the German Empire under Kaiser Wilhelm II. Intense wartime metal shortages necessitated emergency coinage, or Notgeld. Burgsteinfurt, a city in Prussian Westphalia, utilized readily available iron for this denomination, reflecting a widespread municipal effort to maintain local commerce amidst imperial currency crisis.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this iron 25 Pfennig is characteristic of wartime Notgeld: functional and direct. While the engraver remains unattributed, the design likely originated from a local die-cutter. The stylistic school leans towards pragmatic utility, focusing on clear communication of value and issuer. Typically, such coins feature the denomination, city name, and date, with the municipal coat of arms—for Burgsteinfurt, depicting a castle and a stone—on the opposing face.

Technical/Grading: Struck in iron, this coin presents unique preservation and grading challenges. High-points susceptible to wear include details of the city crest (castle walls, stone texture) and finer lettering/date elements. Iron's hardness often resulted in a softer strike, so full details are rarely seen. Surfaces are prone to granularity, laminations, and, most significantly, corrosive pitting and rust, which can obscure design elements and significantly impact grade. A well-struck, corrosion-free example is highly desirable.