Catalogus
| Uitgever | Münster in Westfalen, City of |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 1918 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Waarde | 25 Pfennigs (25 Pfennige) (0.25) |
| Valuta | Mark (1914-1924) |
| Samenstelling | Iron |
| Gewicht | 5.28 g |
| Diameter | 23.0 mm |
| Dikte | 1.7 mm |
| Vorm | Round |
| Techniek | Milled |
| Oriëntatie | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | Funck#350.4, Men18#22668.3 |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Pearl rim, legend circling rope or pearl circle with Coat of arms centered |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift voorzijde | STADT MÜNSTER i/W. ★ KRIEGSGELD ★ |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Pearl rim, denomination and date in square with decorative scrolling on each side |
| Schrift keerzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift keerzijde | 25 PFENNIG 1918 |
| Rand | Plain |
| Muntplaats | |
| Oplage |
1918 - F#350.4 - 500 000 1918 - F#350.4a) Obverse: upper section of arms with beads, dot of I from `I/W.` - 1918 - F#350.4b) like a) but without dot of I from `I/W.` - 1918 - F#350.4c) Obverse: upper section of arms smooth - |
| Numisquare-ID | 1722176880 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
Historical Context: Issued in 1918, this 25 Pfennig coin from Münster in Westfalen epitomizes Germany's dire economic state during World War I's final year. Facing severe resource depletion, the Imperial government and municipalities like Münster issued Notgeld, emergency currency, to sustain local commerce. The use of iron, a non-strategic metal, underscores the acute scarcity of traditional coinage, diverted for war, reflecting profound societal strain as the empire neared collapse.
Artistry: Specific engraver details for utilitarian Notgeld are typically unrecorded. The design embodies the pragmatic aesthetics of wartime emergency issues. Eschewing elaborate flourishes, the obverse usually displayed the denomination and issuer, "Münster in Westfalen," possibly with the city's coat of arms. The reverse featured the date and perhaps a legend indicating its emergency nature. The stylistic school is functional, prioritizing clear value communication over intricate artistic expression, a hallmark of production under duress.
Technical/Grading: Struck in iron, a metal highly susceptible to oxidation, this 25 Pfennig's preservation is often compromised by environmental factors. Weighing 5.28 grams and measuring 23.0 millimeters, its specifications are typical for emergency issues. High points for wear, if discernible through potential corrosion, are generally the raised elements of any central motif or the highest points of the lettering. Strike quality, common for Notgeld, varies, often exhibiting planchet imperfections due to rapid production and iron's inherent challenges.