5 Pfennigs Lechfeld; PoW Camp

Lechfeld was an early Bavarian military airfield repurposed almost immediately at the outbreak of war to hold prisoners — primarily French and Russian in the 1914–15 intake. Camp-issued scrip of this kind was not simply a convenience; German military authorities mandated internal currency at POW camps to prevent prisoners from accumulating Reichsmarks that could fund escape attempts. The 5-Pfennig denomination placed it at the lowest tier of the Lechfeld series, intended for canteen transactions too small for higher denominations to handle practically.

Himmer in Augsburg was a logical choice — close, capable, and accustomed to official municipal printing contracts. Grey paper stock was typical of wartime economy print runs where quality material was being rationed elsewhere.