50 Pfennig - Stettin

Historical Context: This 50 Pfennig coin from Stettin, issued in 1918, epitomizes the widespread notgeld (emergency money) phenomenon in Imperial Germany during the final year of World War I. With national coinage severely depleted due to metal requisition for the war effort, municipalities like Stettin (now Szczecin, Poland) were compelled to issue their own currency. This iron denomination maintained local commerce amidst acute shortages of small change, reflecting the severe economic strain and administrative decentralization of wartime.

Artistry: As is common for utilitarian notgeld, a specific engraver is not typically attributed. The design adheres to a functionalist aesthetic, prioritizing clear communication of denomination and origin. The obverse would invariably feature the city's name, 'STETTIN,' the denomination '50 PFENNIG,' and the year '1918.' The reverse likely presented a simpler motif, possibly the municipal coat of arms or a plain numerical value, reflecting the urgent and practical demands of wartime production.

Technical/Grading: Struck in iron, this coin’s technical qualities are often characterized by a relatively shallow relief, typical for wartime emergency issues. High-points susceptible to wear or loss of detail include the raised portions of the legend and central numerals. However, the primary grading consideration for iron notgeld is surface integrity; corrosion, or 'rust,' is a prevalent issue that significantly impacts preservation and value, often obscuring details more than circulation wear. Strong strikes are less common, and planchet flaws are frequent.