5⁄100 Gutschriftsmarke Schleswig-Holstein

Historical Context: Issued in 1923, the 5⁄100 Gutschriftsmarke from Schleswig-Holstein is a poignant numismatic artifact of the Weimar Republic's hyperinflation. Schleswig-Holstein, then a Prussian province, faced severe economic instability as the Reichsmark rapidly lost value. These "credit tokens" were Notgeld (emergency money), locally issued to maintain commerce and provide a stable medium of exchange when the central currency became worthless. This coin embodies the desperate measures taken by local governments to sustain daily economic life.

Artistry: The design of the 5⁄100 Gutschriftsmarke reflects the utilitarian aesthetic common to Notgeld. While specific engraver details are often unrecorded for such emergency tokens, the stylistic school prioritizes clarity and functionality. The obverse would prominently feature "Schleswig-Holstein" and the denomination "5⁄100 Gutschriftsmarke," emphasizing its fractional credit value. The reverse likely bears the year "1923," possibly with a simple emblem or text related to the issuing authority, designed for immediate legibility in daily transactions.

Technical/Grading: Struck in aluminium, this 22.8 mm token weighs 1.7 grams. For grading, examine the clarity and completeness of lettering, particularly "Schleswig-Holstein" and "5⁄100," often the design's highest points. Due to emergency production and aluminium's softness, strike quality varies from sharp to slightly weak, especially on peripheral legends. Planchet quality can also vary, sometimes showing minor laminations or irregularities.