50 Pfennig - Furtwangen

Historical Context: This 50 Pfennig coin, issued by the City of Furtwangen in 1918, is a significant example of German Notgeld from World War I's final year. Amidst severe economic strain and metal shortages, municipalities like Furtwangen in the Black Forest issued emergency currency to sustain local commerce. These base metal issues, often zinc, replaced scarce imperial coinage, underscoring the era's profound economic and societal disruption and the localized response to national crisis.

Artistry: Typical of wartime Notgeld, this 50 Pfennig's design prioritized utility. While engraver details are often unrecorded, the aesthetic leans towards a utilitarian or folk-art tradition. Designs usually featured the city's name, denomination, and sometimes simple local heraldry or motifs. The zinc medium inherently limited intricate detailing, resulting in a design focused on immediate recognition and function within the local economy, rather than elaborate artistic expression.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, this coin measures 23.4 millimeters and weighs 2.43 grams (Funck#148.4). Zinc Notgeld is highly prone to corrosion and surface degradation, making pristine examples rare. High-points, including the rim, raised lettering, or central motifs, are often the first to exhibit wear or environmental damage. Wartime production frequently yielded weaker or inconsistent strikes, resulting in shallow details. Grading must meticulously assess the zinc's surface preservation and the integrity of design elements against typical environmental effects.