Log in

View Full Version : Have you heard about this old German money called "Notgeld?"



Full Metal Digger
02-08-2021, 06:57 AM
Hello Friends,

Have you heard about this type of money before? I only recently discovered it and I must admit I really like it. I find the bills to be very artistic and beautiful. Their story is interesting.

During WW1 and shortly after, Germany had a problem with no money in circulation. This is because everyone was hoarding coins. The banks, merchants, and cities complained to the government about this lack of money. The German government was too busy trying to manage the war and they told everyone to just go print their own money. And thus was born the Notgeld (emergency money). At first the designs were simple but very quickly the bills became more elaborate and decorative, sometimes telling stories about the village or city. Collectors took note and the bills quickly became very collectable with a high demand for the more elaborate designs. Many municipalities began printing the bills just for the collecting market even after the need for emergency money had passed. Because so many 100,000's were printed and collected, today they can be found in uncirculated condition for only a couple dollars each. Here's an example of one from my collection, from the city of Beckum (Stadt Beckum).

Tony Two-Cent
02-08-2021, 08:55 AM
Wow, Dave, those are beautiful! Obviously a lot of work went into designing and producing them. It's great that you can obtain such wonderful pieces of history at an affordable price. Very cool!

Donnie B
02-08-2021, 09:19 AM
Beautiful notes. One of these days I'm going to frame some stuff that I have.....................one of these days.

OxShoeDrew
02-08-2021, 10:58 AM
So very interesting, Dave. They had so many positive things happen in the 1920s including the Bauhaus, radical departures in all the arts, sadly it all was washed away in the 30s. Have you picked up any German?

Tony Two-Cent
02-08-2021, 12:20 PM
Have you picked up any German?


He has only learned one sentence: "Can I metal detect on your property?" ;)

Full Metal Digger
02-08-2021, 01:03 PM
He has only learned one sentence: "Can I metal detect on your property?" ;)

Nein, nein. Noch ein bier, bitte!

Tony Two-Cent
02-08-2021, 03:22 PM
Nein, nein. Noch ein bier, bitte!

Okay TWO sentences! :lol:

OxShoeDrew
02-08-2021, 03:31 PM
:lol:

Lodge Scent
02-08-2021, 06:35 PM
Learned something new today! Yeah "go ahead and print your own money" probably not sound fiscal strategy.

"Notgeld" is something a stallion whispers in his filly's ear.

Vito
02-09-2021, 12:03 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notgeld

There have been some coins, too. Go & find 'em.

Dave, sometimes you can find those banknotes at the Trödelmarkt (fleamarket) for cheap. A nice collection you have there.