Emergency Coins of German Cities and Municipalities
The **emergency coins of German cities and municipalities** are testaments to economic crises, particularly during **World War I** and the **hyperinflation** of the 1920s. These coins were issued by cities, municipalities, and private companies to combat the acute **small change shortage**.
Due to the high demand for metals for the war effort, state mints were overwhelmed, leading to the production of emergency coins from alternative materials like **zinc**, **iron**, **aluminum**, and even **porcelain**.
Starting in 1916, the issuance of emergency money was regulated by decrees that required prior approval and deposit of the counter-value with the Reichsbank.
Emergency Coins Overview
- Denominations**: 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 pfennigs up to higher values reached during hyperinflation.
- Materials**: Zinc, iron, aluminum, porcelain, brass, bronze, tombac.
- Motifs**: Coats of arms, regional symbols, famous figures like Annette von Droste-Hülshoff and Freiherr vom Stein.
The motifs and materials vary significantly depending on the region and date of issue. These coins are now sought-after collectibles and remind us of Germany's turbulent economic history.
