1 reichsmark 1940

Common. eBay market price tracking demonstrates consistent circulation values ranging from $0.99 to $58 depending on certification grade, with most ungraded or lower-grade examples selling for under $5. The sustained volume of transactions across multiple years and condition grades indicates this is a common wartime issue with significant print runs. Current AU-graded examples show moderate pricing ($4–$35), consistent with routine collector demand for this denomination. The Reichskreditkasse issued substantial quantities of small denominations for circulation, and this 1 Reichsmark note remains readily available to collectors.

The Reichskreditkasse (Reich Credit Bank) issued this note under Nazi Germany's financial system during World War II. The prominent Reichsadler (German eagle) seal on the obverse represents the authority of the Third Reich, while the reference to 'Reichsbankdirektorium' (Reichsbank Directorate) on the reverse underscores the centralized control of currency during this period. This denomination served as emergency currency for occupied territories and domestic circulation during the final years of WWII.

This banknote features a symmetrical, formal design typical of Nazi-era German currency. The obverse is dominated by ornate geometric borders with a circular seal containing the Reichsadler (Imperial German eagle) positioned on the left side, flanked by decorative circular medallions in the corners. Large Gothic/Fraktur script presents the denomination 'Eine Reichsmark' in the center. The reverse employs a central winged emblem (likely representing the Reichsbank or state authority) with a shield or crest motif, surrounded by large stylized '1' numerals in all four corners. Both sides utilize fine geometric line mesh patterns as background security work, creating an intricate anti-counterfeiting texture throughout. The color scheme—browns, tans, and cream—is consistent with Reichskreditkasse emergency issues of this period.

OBVERSE: 'Eine Reichsmark' (One Reichsmark); 'Ausgegeben auf Grund der Verordnung über Reichskreditkassen Hauptverwaltung der Reichskreditkassen' (Issued pursuant to the Regulation on Reichskreditkassen, Main Administration of the Reichskreditkassen); Serial number: 286 511079. REVERSE: '1' (Denomination indicator, appearing in all four corners); 'Zahlungsversprechen wird vom Reichsbankdirektorium überprüft' (Promise of payment is verified by the Reichsbank Directorate); 'Reichsmark' (Reichsmark).

This note was produced using letterpress and multi-color relief printing techniques, characteristic of German security printing in the 1940s. The fine geometric line patterns visible throughout suggest the use of steel engraving for security background elements combined with lithographic color layers. The embossed stamp noted in catalog data indicates die-struck embossing was employed, likely applied as a final security measure. Giesecke+Devrient or Bundesdruckerei would have been likely candidates for this official government issue, though the Reichskreditkasse may have utilized multiple printers for wartime production.

Series range 1-480 is documented; the specimen observed carries serial number 286 511079, indicating mid-series production. No overprints or signature variations are evident in the visual analysis. Known varieties for Pick R136 may include different serial number prefixes or administrative markings, but without access to comprehensive Reichskreditkasse documentation, specific variety determination is limited. Collectors should note any variations in embossing clarity or ink intensity as potential variety markers for this frequently-printed denomination.