5 Pfennig - Rosenheim

Historical Context: This 5 Pfennig coin, issued by the City of Rosenheim in 1918, is a critical numismatic artifact from the First World War's final year. As Germany faced severe material shortages, particularly of non-ferrous metals, municipalities across the German Empire issued Notgeld, or emergency currency. Rosenheim, in Bavaria, participated. The use of iron underscores desperate economic conditions and extreme scarcity of traditional coinage metals, reflecting a nation under immense strain as the conflict concluded.

Artistry: The specific engraver of this Rosenheim 5 Pfennig is typically undocumented, its design adhering to the utilitarian aesthetic common to wartime Notgeld. Issues often featured straightforward inscriptions identifying the issuer and denomination, frequently incorporating the city's coat of arms or a simplified municipal emblem. This stylistic school prioritized clarity and local identity over elaborate artistic flourishes, characteristic of emergency coinage produced under pressing circumstances.

Technical/Grading: Struck in iron, this 5 Pfennig coin weighs 2.0 grams and measures 19.4 millimeters. Iron coinage from this period is inherently prone to corrosion, significantly impacting preservation and grading. High points, such as raised lettering or central design elements, are often susceptible to wear or oxidation. Technical strike quality generally reflects less precision than standard imperial coinage, often exhibiting softer strikes or minor planchet imperfections due to rapid production and the metal.