Catalog
| Issuer | Traunstein, District of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1918 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Value | 50 Pfennigs (50 Pfennige) (0.50) |
| Currency | Mark (1914-1924) |
| Composition | Zinc |
| Weight | 3.4 g |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Thickness | 1.4 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Funck#545.7, Men18#31426.1 |
| Obverse description | City name surrounding solid line circle with denomination centered |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | STADT・VND・LAND・TRAVNSTEIN • 50 |
| Reverse description | Wheat shaft between two mountains dividing date |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | 19 18 |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1918 - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1079034760 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1918 50 Pfennig from Traunstein, District of, is a prime example of German Notgeld. Issued during World War I's chaotic final year, it reflects severe metal shortages and the central government's inability to supply small change. Struck in zinc, a common wartime substitute, this coin underscores the economic pressures and resource scarcity faced by local municipalities. It represents a nation undergoing profound political upheaval, transitioning from the German Empire to the nascent Weimar Republic.
Artistry: Specific engraver details for this emergency issue are typically undocumented. The Traunstein 50 Pfennig's design likely follows the utilitarian aesthetic common to Notgeld. Focus would be on clear textual information: issuer, denomination, and date, possibly with a simple local emblem. Zinc's challenging nature generally limited intricate artistic flourishes, resulting in designs prioritizing legibility and functional clarity, reflecting its urgent wartime