Catalog
| Issuer | Hattingen, City of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1918 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Value | 25 Pfennigs (25 Pfennige) (0.25) |
| Currency | Mark (1914-1924) |
| Composition | Iron |
| Weight | 3.8 g |
| Diameter | 20.9 mm |
| Thickness | 1.6 mm |
| Shape | Octagonal (8-sided) |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Funck#196.4A, Men05#11022.13, Men18#13812.13 |
| Obverse description | Pearl rim, legend circling solid line circle with Coat of Arms (St. George) centered |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | STADT HATTINGEN :RUHR: ✚ 1918 ✚ |
| Reverse description | Pearl rim surrounding oak wreath with denomination and date centered |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | KRIEGSGELD 25 PFENNIG 1918 |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1918 - F#196.4A - 1918 - F#196.4B, Ø22.3 (Coincidental minted on a wrong planchet) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1178818480 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 25 Pfennig coin from Hattingen, issued in 1918, exemplifies German Notgeld (emergency money) produced during World War I. With the German Empire under immense economic strain and precious metals diverted for war, municipalities like Hattingen issued their own currency. Resorting to base metals, specifically iron, for small change, this coin serves as a tangible artifact of severe wartime material shortages and decentralized efforts to sustain local economic activity.
Artistry: Common for Notgeld, the specific engraver for the Hattingen 25 Pfennig remains unrecorded, reflecting its utilitarian, urgent production. The stylistic school is functional, prioritizing clear legibility over elaborate artistic flourishes. Such coins typically feature the issuing city's name, denomination, and year on one side, often complemented by a simple numeral or local coat of arms on the reverse. Design was straightforward, ensuring immediate recognition and trust during monetary uncertainty.
Technical/Grading: Struck in iron,