This listing is for the photographed 1942 German 5 Reichsmark Reichsbanknote. Issued August 1st, 1942, while Germany was under Nazi control during World War 2. Portrait of a young man on the right end of the obverse side of this note. Reverse depicts a lion monument in front of the Braunschweig cathedral at the center. Circulated condition with corner tear and visible folds. Really stunning design and artwork. P#186a (Pick Number 186a).
The Reichsmark (ℛℳ) was introduced as the official currency of Germany in 1924, replacing the Papiermark, which had become almost worthless due to hyperinflation. The Reichsmark was introduced as part of the Dawes Plan, a U.S.-backed effort to stabilize Germany’s post-World War I economy. The Reichsbank, Germany’s central bank, was responsible for issuing these banknotes, which were backed by gold to help restore public trust.
When the Nazis took power in 1933, they centralized control over the Reichsbank and used it to support rearmament and, later, war efforts. New banknotes featured symbols and imagery that promoted Nazi ideology, including portraits of historical German figures. After Germany’s defeat in 1945, the Allies took control of the German economy and currency issuance. The Reichsmark continued to circulate briefly but was greatly devalued due to wartime inflation and scarcity of goods. In 1948, the Deutsche Mark (DM) replaced the Reichsmark in West Germany, while the East German Mark (also DM initially) replaced it in the Soviet-controlled East Germany.
Fascinating piece of history! Making for a great addition to any collection!
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1919 50 Mark German Paper Note - 1919 Reichsbanknote 50 - Circulated Condition, Beautiful Design - Fifty Mark Note 1919