25 Pfennig - Oberwesel

Historical Context: The 25 Pfennig coin from Oberwesel, issued in 1919, stands as a poignant testament to the tumultuous post-World War I era in Germany. Following the collapse of the German Empire and the establishment of the Weimar Republic, the nation faced immense economic hardship, resource scarcity, and burgeoning inflation. This environment led to the widespread issuance of Notgeld, or emergency money, by hundreds of municipalities, including the city of Oberwesel in the Rhineland. The use of iron for this denomination, rather than traditional copper or nickel, underscores the severe shortage of strategic metals, which were either depleted by the war, hoarded, or exported. This coin was vital for maintaining local commerce and providing essential small change in a period of extreme economic instability.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this Oberwesel 25 Pfennig Notgeld is characteristic of the utilitarian yet often locally expressive designs prevalent during this period. While a specific engraver is typically unrecorded for such municipal issues, the stylistic school leans towards functionalism, incorporating local identity within a pragmatic framework. The obverse would invariably feature the denomination and issuing authority, "STADT OBERWESEL," often with the year of issue. The reverse commonly depicted a local motif, such as the city's coat of arms, a significant landmark like the Liebfrauenkirche, or a symbolic representation of the region. Designs for iron Notgeld were generally robust and clear, prioritizing legibility and ease of production over intricate detail, reflecting the urgent need for currency rather than elaborate artistic statements.

Technical/Grading: Struck on an iron planchet weighing 4.3 grams and measuring 21.7 millimeters, this 25 Pfennig coin exhibits technical qualities typical of emergency issues. High-points susceptible to wear or weak strikes would generally be found on the most raised elements of the design, such as the central device of a coat of arms, the highest points of architectural features, or the serifs of prominent lettering. The strike quality can vary considerably, often displaying less sharpness and depth compared to national mint productions due to the expedient nature of Notgeld manufacture and the inherent hardness of iron. Iron coins are particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation, with surface corrosion (rust) being a common issue that significantly impacts preservation and grading. Collectors prioritize specimens with minimal surface pitting and a strong, even strike.