50 Pfennig - Frankenhausen

Historical Context: Issued in 1917 by the City of Frankenhausen, then part of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt within the German Empire, this 50 Pfennig coin exemplifies German Notgeld during World War I. Severe wartime scarcity of traditional coinage metals and hoarding of imperial currency compelled local authorities to issue substitute coinage. This zinc piece served as vital small change, facilitating daily commerce in a period of economic disruption and highlighting decentralized currency issuance.

Artistry: While the specific engraver for this Frankenhausen 50 Pfennig is unrecorded, its design typically adheres to the pragmatic aesthetic common to wartime Notgeld. Such issues prioritized clear legibility of the denomination, issuing authority, and year, often complemented by a simple civic emblem or legend. The artistic execution generally reflects a functionalist approach, emphasizing clarity over elaborate ornamentation, a practical necessity for rapid production under strained conditions.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, a utilitarian metal chosen for its wartime availability, this 50 Pfennig weighs 2.99 grams and measures 24.5 millimeters. Zinc coinage is notoriously susceptible to corrosion and wear, making well-preserved examples challenging. High-points prone to wear typically include raised lettering and central motifs. Collectors should seek a strong, even strike and minimal surface degradation, as zinc Notgeld often exhibits planchet imperfections, weak strikes, and environmental damage, impacting its numismatic grade.