Catalogue
| Émetteur | Schneidemühl (Posen), City of |
|---|---|
| Année | 1916 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Valeur | 50 Pfennigs (50 Pfennige) (0.50) |
| Devise | Mark (1914-1924) |
| Composition | Iron |
| Poids | 4.1 g |
| Diamètre | 25.3 mm |
| Épaisseur | 1.2 mm |
| Forme | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | Funck#480.5, Men05#28523.7 |
| Description de l’avers | Solid line rim, legend surrounding a solid line circle with coat of arms centered |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers | MAGISTRAT ✶ SCHNEIDEMÜHL ✶ |
| Description du revers | Solid line rim, legend surrounding pearl circle with denomination centered |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers | KLEINGELDERSATZMARKE 50 1916 |
| Tranche | Plain |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
1916 - F#480.5, Ø varies 25.3 to 25.5 mm. planchet is 1.2 to 1.6 mm thick - 1916 - F#480.5a) Obverse: Points of the Ü on top of each other - 1916 - F#480.5b) Obverse: Points of the Ü next to each other, Reverse: 5 - 0 is 1.0 mm - 1916 - F#480.5c) like b), but 5 - 0 is 0.75 mm, K - E is 13.2 mm - 1916 - F#480.5d) like b), but 5 - 0 is 0.5 mm, K - E is 13.8 mm. Obverse: Ü is 0.75 away from inner circle - 1916 - F#480.5e) like d), but Ü is 1.0 away from inner circle - |
| ID Numisquare | 1110821390 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This 50 Pfennig from Schneidemühl (now Piła, Poland) was issued in 1916 during World War I. Within the German Empire under Kaiser Wilhelm II, Schneidemühl, a vital railway hub in Prussian Posen, faced severe metal shortages. This coin represents Notgeld, emergency money issued by municipalities to sustain local commerce as imperial coinage became scarce. The use of iron directly reflects the strategic reallocation of more valuable metals like copper and nickel for the war effort.
Artistry: Lacking a specific engraver, the design likely originated from local municipal artists. Notgeld issues prioritized clarity and functionality over elaborate aesthetics. The obverse typically featured the denomination and "Stadt Schneidemühl," while the reverse often displayed the city's coat of arms, frequently depicting a pine tree, referencing its name. The stylistic approach is characteristic of utilitarian wartime issues, emphasizing legibility and efficient production rather than refined artistic detail.
Technical/Grading: Struck in iron, this coin weighs 4.1 grams and measures 25.3 millimeters. High-points prone to wear include the raised lettering, date, and any central heraldic device. Due to wartime production, strikes often exhibit weakness or unevenness. The inherent susceptibility of iron to corrosion (rust) is a critical grading factor; even minor environmental exposure significantly degrades surface details. Planchet quality can also be inconsistent, occasionally showing laminations or flaws.