50 Pfennig - Wartenburg Ostpreussen
| Issuer | Wartenburg, City of |
|---|---|
| Year | |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Value | 50 Pfennigs (50 Pfennige) (0.50) |
| Currency | Mark (1914-1924) |
| Composition | Zinc |
| Weight | |
| Diameter | 24.2 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Octagonal (8-sided) |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Funck#576.1 |
| Obverse description | Face value inside a circle of pearls, with legend around. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
* MAGISTRAT * WARTENBURG OSTPR. (Translation: Magistrate - Wartenburg in East Prussia) |
| Reverse description | Face value inside a circle of pearls, with legend around. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | 50 KLEINGELDERSATZMARKE * * * |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
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) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1094546780 |
| Additional information |
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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.