German encased postage, Merz - Plomben

32mm

One of the interesting after effects of Germany's economic difficulties in the 1920s is that interesting coins and currency were produced. They even experimented with some encased postage using the traditional format of advertising on one side and the stamp on the other.

German encased postage are generally hard to find, no matter what size coin show or shop you visit! Let me refine this statement. I was just at Numismata in Munich, a huge coin show and there were very few encased postage and many that I saw were astoundingly overpriced.

The line on the obverse is where the aluminum casing looks to have been creased, or, possibly, if that side had a glaze coating, it is a crack.   The reverse also has a rim flaw.

BTW, for a good read, there is a new publication by Whitman, authored by Robert Leonard on "Curious Currency" that focuses on primitive money. There is a tiny section on encased postage but the book is a great read overall. I highly recommend it. Oh, and I've met Bob and he is a great guy!!

QSP_1103

Buyer pays $2.00 domestic postage, $3 international. I can also accept credit cards, checks, etc. I will combine postage on wins of multiple lots.

Visit Ephesus Numismatics for other interesting coins.

I recently acquired an extensive collection of porcelain coins and medals. I am listing them on the eBay and the World section of the Ephesus Numismatics store so please look there if you have interests beyond this coin.