50 Pfennig - Wartenburg Ostpreussen

Emitent Wartenburg, City of
Rok
Typ Emergency coin
Hodnota 50 Pfennigs (50 Pfennige) (0.50)
Měna Mark (1914-1924)
Složení Zinc
Hmotnost
Průměr 24.2 mm
Tloušťka
Tvar Octagonal (8-sided)
Technika Milled
Orientace Medal alignment ↑↑
Rytci
V oběhu do
Reference Funck#576.1
Popis líce Face value inside a circle of pearls, with legend around.
Písmo líce Latin
Opis líce * MAGISTRAT * WARTENBURG OSTPR.
(Translation: Magistrate - Wartenburg in East Prussia)
Popis rubu Face value inside a circle of pearls, with legend around.
Písmo rubu Latin
Opis rubu 50 KLEINGELDERSATZMARKE * * *
Hrana Smooth
Mincovna
Náklad ND - F#576.1 (diam. from 24.2 mm to 24.6 mm) - 1 000
ND - F#576.1a) Obverse: distance G from WARTENBURG to O from OSTPR. is 2 mm, in the middle over U is a bead. Reverse: Cord-circle. -
ND - F#576.1b) Obverse:distance G to O is 1.3 mm, above U are two beads. Reverse: bead-circle (Röttinger restrike) -
ID Numisquare 1094546780
Další informace

Historical Context: This 50 Pfennig from Wartenburg, Ostpreussen (now Barczewo, Poland), is a definitive German Notgeld, likely 1917-1923. World War I metal shortages compelled Wartenburg to issue emergency zinc coinage. This necessity deepened during post-war hyperinflation, rendering central currency unreliable. Wartenburg, in vital East Prussia, used these local pieces for essential commerce amidst profound national instability.

Artistry: Notgeld issues, especially zinc types, rarely feature sophisticated artistry or named engravers. Aesthetic is pragmatic, prioritizing clear denomination and issuer legibility. Designs typically feature city arms, stylized Prussian eagles, or simple regional motifs. Production was local, from smaller mints, prioritizing rapid output over intricate detail, reflecting urgency. Engraver attributions for such municipal Notgeld are virtually non-existent.

Technical/Grading: Due to its zinc composition, the Wartenburg 50 Pfennig is highly susceptible to corrosion, pitting (zinc pest), and surface degradation. Critical grading high points include sharp definition of any central device (e.g., city arms, eagle), especially on raised shield details or breast feathers. Clarity and completeness of all legends (city, denomination) are paramount. Assess fields for uniform surface integrity; zinc often exhibits planchet flaws or environmental damage. A clean, unmarred plain edge significantly enhances grade.

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