5 Pfennig - Oehringen

Historical Context: This 5 Pfennig coin, issued by the City of Oehringen in 1917, illustrates Germany's WWI economic strain. Imperial recall of strategic metals created severe small change shortages. This compelled German municipalities, like Oehringen (within the Kingdom of Württemberg), to issue emergency currency, or Notgeld. Struck from readily available zinc, it exemplifies widespread material scarcity and local adaptation necessitated by the conflict.

Artistry: This 5 Pfennig's design reflects utilitarian wartime production over artistic embellishment. Engravers are typically unrecorded for such emergency issues; the stylistic approach is functional and direct. The obverse features the denomination and issuing authority, while the reverse displays the date and often a simplified municipal emblem. Zinc's less malleable nature limited intricate detailing, prioritizing clear legibility for a coin intended for immediate, practical circulation.

Technical/Grading: Struck on an 18.0 mm, 1.23 g zinc flan, technical qualities are typical for wartime Notgeld. High-points prone to wear and environmental damage include the highest relief elements of lettering and central designs. Zinc's inherent softness and susceptibility to "zinc pest" (intergranular corrosion) mean pristine examples are rare; surface pitting and detail loss are common. Strikes are often weak or uneven, particularly on legend edges, and planchet quality varies.