500 000 000 mark 1923

Uncommon. While this is a genuine Notgeldschein from a historically significant issuer (the Free City of Danzig), the eBay market data provided shows VF examples ranging from $250-$650 USD with catalogue values at $600 VF (2016), indicating steady collector demand but not extreme scarcity. The note is not listed as particularly rare in PMG population reports, and the two-week redemption clause on the reverse suggests many were redeemed, reducing surviving population. However, the specific Pick number P-28b variant appears in PMG's catalog, indicating professional grading recognition. The price range and catalog presence suggest an uncommon but not scarce note in the collector market.

This Notgeldschein (emergency currency note) was issued by the Senate of Danzig in September 1925, during the post-hyperinflation period when the Free City of Danzig (established by the Treaty of Versailles in 1920) required emergency monetary solutions. The denomination of 500 million marks reflects the severe inflation that devastated German-speaking territories following World War I. The selection of Schopenhauer as the portrait subject, combined with the detailed engraving of Danzig's medieval Hanseatic architecture and civic coat of arms on the reverse, served to reinforce local identity and legitimacy during a period of economic uncertainty.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Arthur Schopenhauer, the 19th-century German philosopher, rendered in classical style and positioned centrally within an elaborate ornate frame composed of Art Nouveau scrollwork and floral motifs. The denomination appears prominently in large gothic blackletter typeface. Four-corner decorative elements feature intricate gothic revival ornamental borders with scrollwork. A red circular official seal and stamp of the Senate administration appear in the lower left, while the serial number (5176529) is printed in red in the upper right corner. The reverse displays a panoramic landscape engraving depicting Danzig's distinctive medieval skyline as viewed across the Motlawa River, showcasing the characteristic church spires of St. Mary's Church and the Town Hall tower, with fortification walls and Hanseatic buildings rendered in fine detail. The Danzig civic coat of arms, featuring gothic architectural elements and heraldic design, is positioned centrally at the top above the cityscape, surrounded by ornamental scrollwork. The redemption validity clause is printed at the top of the reverse in smaller gothic typeface.

FRONT SIDE: '500 Millionen' (500 Million); 'Fünfhundert Millionen Mark' (Five Hundred Million Mark); 'Notgeldschein der Stadtgemeinde Danzig' (Emergency Currency Note of the City Municipality of Danzig); 'deutsche Reichswährung' (German Reich Currency); 'Danzig, den 26. September 1925' (Danzig, September 26, 1925); 'DER SENAT,' (The Senate); 'Verwaltung der Stadtgemeinde Danzig' (Administration of the City Municipality of Danzig); Serial number '5176529'. BACK SIDE: '500 Millionen Mark' (500 Million Mark); 'deutsche Reichswährung' (German Reich Currency); 'Dieser Notgeldschein wird ungültig wenn er nicht inner-halb zweier Wochen nach Auforderung des Senats, Verwaltung der Stadtgemeinde Danzig, bei der Städtischen Kammereikasse Danzig eingelöst wird.' (This emergency currency note becomes invalid if it is not redeemed within two weeks of request from the Senate, Administration of the City Municipality of Danzig, at the City Treasury of Danzig.)

The note was produced using fine-line engraving for the primary design elements, particularly evident in the detailed cityscape and architectural rendering on the reverse, combined with letterpress printing for the text and denominations in gothic blackletter typeface. The red circular seal and serial number were applied as overprints. The ornate decorative borders and frames demonstrate high-quality engraving work characteristic of German security printing of the 1920s, though the specific printer is not identified in the catalog data. The consistent cream/tan background and clear impression of fine detail suggest production on quality banknote paper with careful registration.

This note is identified as Pick P-28b, part of a two-variant series cataloged by PMG (variants P-28a and P-28b both denominated 500 Millionen Mark). The visual analysis confirms the date of September 26, 1925 (though catalog lists 1923 as issuance year, the image shows 1925 date). The serial number 5176529 is visible in red. No overprints or significant printing variations are evident in the visual analysis. The red seal and serial number placement are consistent with the P-28b designation in standard catalogs.