50 Pfennig - Ohligs

Historical Context: This 50 Pfennig coin, issued by the City of Ohligs in 1920, exemplifies German Notgeld from the Weimar Republic era. Post-World War I, Germany faced severe hyperinflation and a critical shortage of small change. Municipalities like Ohligs, then an independent city, issued local currency to maintain commerce. This coin underscores the decentralized response to a national economic crisis, reflecting profound monetary upheaval and local self-reliance.

Artistry: Specific engraver attribution for the Ohligs 50 Pfennig is typically unrecorded, as utility superseded elaborate artistic expression in Notgeld production. The stylistic school is primarily functional, often incorporating simplified contemporary design elements adapted for mass production. The design characteristically features the issuing city's name, denomination, and year, frequently complemented by a municipal emblem or symbolic motif relevant to Ohligs, serving as a clear local identifier.

Technical/Grading: Struck in iron, this 50 Pfennig coin presents unique preservation challenges. High-points susceptible to wear and corrosion include raised lettering, heraldic elements, and the outer rim. Technical strike quality varies, from sharp impressions to weaker strikes, common for emergency issues. The iron composition (3.4 gg, 23.2 mm) makes these pieces highly prone to environmental damage like rust and pitting, which can obscure details and significantly impact their numismatic grade and long-term stability.