5 Pfennig - Düren

Historical Context: This 1917 5 Pfennig coin from Düren is a poignant artifact of the German Empire during World War I. Issued by the City of Düren, then part of the Prussian Rhine Province, it exemplifies severe economic pressures and strategic material shortages. The use of zinc, replacing traditional copper and nickel, was a direct consequence of war efforts, as base metals were urgently diverted for armaments. These 'Kriegsmetall' issues reflect a nation under immense strain.

Artistry: The specific engraver for this municipal issue remains unrecorded, typical for utilitarian wartime coinage. Stylistically, the coin embodies a functionalist approach, prioritizing clear legibility and practicality over elaborate artistic embellishment. The design typically features the denomination, 'Stadt Düren,' and the year 1917. The reverse often bore a simplified imperial eagle or local civic emblem, executed with stark simplicity dictated by mass production and zinc's challenging properties.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a 19.1 mm, 1.6-gram zinc planchet, this coin presents unique preservation challenges. Zinc is notoriously difficult to strike sharply, leading to typically weak strikes, especially on finer details. High-points susceptible to wear include raised edges of numerals and letters. Furthermore, zinc is prone to corrosion (zinc pest) and surface degradation, making high-grade examples with pristine surfaces and strong strikes exceedingly rare and highly sought after.