50 Pfennig - Schönlanke

Historical Context: Issued in 1917, this 50 Pfennig coin from Schönlanke (Posen) is a prime example of German Notgeld from World War I. Under Kaiser Wilhelm II, severe metal shortages necessitated emergency currency production by municipalities. Struck in iron, this coin underscores the critical need for local commerce in the Prussian Province of Posen, replacing standard imperial coinage and illustrating the profound economic strain of the conflict.

Artistry: The artistry of this 50 Pfennig coin is characteristic of wartime Notgeld, prioritizing functionality. A specific engraver is typically unrecorded for such municipal emergency issues; the stylistic school is utilitarian. The design likely features the denomination, "Stadt Schönlanke," and the date. Its simplicity is a direct consequence of the iron material and the urgent exigencies of its production during a national crisis, lacking the elaborate heraldry found on standard imperial coinage.

Technical/Grading: Struck in iron, this 50 Pfennig coin presents unique grading considerations. High-points susceptible to wear include the denomination numeral, lettering, and any central motif. Strike quality often varies, with weaker details common due to emergency production and iron's hardness. Planchet flaws are frequent. Critically, the iron composition makes these coins highly susceptible to environmental damage; rust and pitting are primary concerns severely impacting preservation and grade. A well-preserved, corrosion-free example is therefore highly prized.