Cathy & Chuck write:Â Coin Doc! I have currency that seems to be from East Germany. The denominations start at 1 pfennig, which is strange because it is paper. Most of the Pfennig”s are in better shape than the Mark’s Here is a list;(5) 1pfnnig, (2) 25pfennig, (8)50pfennig,(3)75pfennig,(3)1mark,(6)2mark,(2)5mark,(2)10mark,(6)20mark (2)50mark(2)100mark,(1)500mark,(1)1000mark. The 1000mark bill is in the best shape. Serial #003803 Reichsbanknote. Berlin,den 15.September1922. The dates range from 1914 to 1922 on the other bills. One of the 50pfennig is different than the others, it has Kreis Heinsberg at the top. I hope this information will help. Thanks, Cathy
Fractional currency is usually a temporary or emergency measure. However there are no 1 Pfennig notes from East Germany. East Germany didn’t exist until after WWII and didn’t issue currency until 1948.
The following is a list of German fractional currency:
- 5 and 10 Pfennig notes-Federal Republic of Germany in 1948
- 5, 10 and 50 Pfennig notes (Land Bank) issued in the French Occupation Zone in 1947
- Rheinland-Pfalz 5, 10 and 50 Pfennigs, 1947
- Wurttemberg-Hohenzolern 5,10 and 50 pfennigs,1947
- German Armed Forces issues from 1940 in 1, 5,10 and 50 Reichpfennig notes
There are no official fractional notes in the 1920’s. There is, however, notgeld fractional currency which was issued by individual towns and German States as emergency money in the Great Inflation of 1922-23. This is what you may have.
The notes of this period are interesting because of the social implications of inflation but many of these issues are still plentiful today. For example the 15 September 1922 1000 Mark note is worth less than a dollar in uncirculated condition. Again, the specific issue and its condition (grade) is important to establish market value. Not all are inexpensive. For example, the 5000 Mark note of 16 September 1922 brings more than US$100 in new condition.
