5 Pfennig - Burg auf Fehmarn

Historical Context: This 5 Pfennig from Burg auf Fehmarn, issued in 1917, exemplifies German notgeld, or emergency money, during World War I. The Imperial government's metal requisition for the war effort created a severe coinage shortage. Municipalities like Burg auf Fehmarn, an island town, issued their own interim currency, often in zinc, to maintain local commerce and address the public's need for small change amidst economic dislocation.

Artistry: Specific engraver details are typically unrecorded for local notgeld, which often adopted a functional, folk-art aesthetic. The obverse would feature the denomination, "5 Pfennig," and the issuing authority, "Stadt Burg auf Fehmarn." The reverse commonly displayed the year, 1917, and likely incorporated a local landmark or heraldic device. Given the name, a representation of the 'Burg' or castle defining the town would serve as a distinct local identifier and design focal point.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, a wartime substitute metal, this coin typically exhibits challenges inherent to its material. Zinc planchets are prone to corrosion and surface degradation, significantly impacting preservation. High-points for wear and strike quality include finer details of any architectural motif and the lettering. Due to rapid production and the metal's nature, strikes are often weak, displaying soft details, especially on the periphery. Well-preserved examples with strong strikes and minimal environmental damage are uncommon.