5 Pfennig - Frauenau Krystallglasfabrik

Historical Context: This 5 Pfennig coin from the Municipality of Frauenau represents a fascinating example of German Notgeld, or emergency money. Issued during the tumultuous period following World War I, likely in the early 1920s amidst hyperinflation, it reflects local communities' desperate need for circulating currency when the national government struggled to provide stable coinage. Frauenau, a Bavarian municipality renowned for its crystal glass industry, specifically tied this issue to its Krystallglasfabrik, underscoring the local economic backbone and the localized nature of these monetary solutions, which often served both as currency and propaganda for local commerce.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains unrecorded, typical Notgeld issues from this era often featured designs by local artists or printers, reflecting a blend of utilitarianism and regional pride. For this Frauenau piece, one might anticipate imagery related to glass production, such as stylized glassware, a glassblower's tools, or perhaps a depiction of the factory itself, rendered in a folk art or early Art Deco style common to many contemporary emergency issues. Such designs served not only as currency but also as miniature cultural artifacts, celebrating local industry and heritage during a period of national upheaval.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, a common expedient metal for Notgeld due to material shortages, this 5 Pfennig coin weighs 1.6 grams and measures 19.3 millimeters. Zinc is highly reactive, making these coins particularly susceptible to corrosion, surface pitting, and loss of original luster, even in uncirculated states. High-points, which would typically include any raised elements like factory details or lettering, are often the first areas to show wear. The strike quality can vary, but zinc issues frequently exhibit softer details compared to more robust metals, and planchet imperfections are not uncommon, demanding careful assessment for preservation and grade.