Vocabulary:

The term Notgeld describes a replacement currency which was used either because the German Mint was not able to cope with demand due to high inflation rates or (especially during WWII) not able to produce enough because of the restrictions on using materials vital to the war effort.

In such situations, the local authorities were allowed to find ways of creating replacement currencies. Various forms of this literally translated 'emergency money' were used over the time, like specially printed 'money bills', porcelain and quartz coins, etc. Of course, only a few companies were allowed to help out and the strict regulations and control mechanisms prevented misuse of this right.

In the case of porcelain coins for example, the mold was created under supervision and then taken into the production area which was guarded by police or other officials. A production run was initiated, and after a shift the molds were taken to a bank or otherwise locked away.