Lotz Ghetto - Poland 1943

Finally, I acquired an authentic Lotz Ghetto coin, this one in Elektron [alloy of aluminum and magnesium]. This denomination and metal are not as prone to be found counterfeited as the 10 & 20 Mark pieces in aluminum.
OB: "DER AELESTEST DER JUDEN IN LITZMANNSTADT" [Chief Jewish Elder in Litzmannstadt]. Center & Ribbon states "QUITTUNG UBER 5 MARK" [Receipt for 5 Mark].
The Lodz (Litzmannstadt) Ghetto was established as an industrial base to manufacture war supplies. The Nazis set up a Jewish council and appointed Mordechai Chaim Rumkowski to keep order. From 1942 to 1943, tokens were struck in the name of the Jewish Elders of Litzmannstadt, the name the Germans chose for the city to honor the German General Karl Litzmann, of WWI fame. These tokens were the only legal currency in the Lodz Ghetto. Used to buy what food and medicine they could, Jews traded their personal possessions for the tokens.