10 000 000 mark 1923
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About This Note
This is a German Reichsbahn 10,000,000 Mark emergency banknote from September 2, 1923, issued during the hyperinflation crisis. The note features ornate mauve and gold decorative borders with an imperial eagle seal and displays the denomination prominently across the center. In EF condition, the note exhibits age-appropriate creasing and foxing consistent with a century-old document, with the reverse side nearly blank as typical for this issue.
Common. The eBay price tracking data shows a wide range of valuations from $1.99 to $199.99, but the majority of listings cluster in the $2.90–$12.50 range for UNC and AU specimens, with even circulated examples available under $2. The Deutsche Reichsbahn issued large quantities of these emergency notes during the 1923 hyperinflation crisis, and they survive in relatively high numbers. The EF condition grade and moderate serial number do not represent a scarcity variant. These notes are readily available to collectors and command only modest premiums.
Issued by the Deutsche Reichsbahn (German Reich Railway) on September 2, 1923, this note represents emergency currency released during Germany's catastrophic hyperinflation period. The redemption deadline stamped on the note (December 31, 1923) reflects the temporary nature of railway emergency issues, and the imperial eagle emblem symbolizes the authority of the Weimar Republic's government institutions. These railway notes were a desperate measure to provide liquidity for essential transportation services as the mark's value collapsed.
The obverse features an elegant, formal design typical of Weimar-era government currency. The denomination '10000000' appears prominently in the center, framed by ornate geometric border patterns in purple, mauve, and gold tones. The Reichsadler (Imperial German eagle) is depicted within a circular seal with official markings, representing state authority. The left margin contains repeated denomination numerals in purple. The paper is light green as noted in catalog data, with a cream/beige overall appearance due to aging. The reverse is uniface (blank except for minimal markings), typical of emergency railway issues. The design conveys official legitimacy through its formal heraldic elements despite the emergency nature of the issue.
FRONT: 'Deutsche Reichsbahn' (German Reich Railway) | 'Zehn Millionen Mark' (Ten Million Mark) | 'Dieser Schein wird an allen Kassen der Deutschen Reichsbahn wie gesetzliche Zahlmittel in Zahlung genommen und bis zum 31. Dezember 1923 eingelöst.' (This note will be accepted at all Deutsche Reichsbahn cashiers as legal tender and will be redeemed until December 31, 1923.) | 'Berlin, den 2. September 1923.' (Berlin, September 2, 1923.) | 'Der Reichsverkehrsminister' (The Reich Minister of Transport) | Serial number: 375178 | Reference code: RH-81 | Signature: Ulstet | BACK: 'LGV8' (faint marking, purpose unclear)
Letterpress and/or intaglio printing, evidenced by the crisp, embossed appearance of the ornate border patterns and text. The multi-color design (black overprint on lilac and light brown underprint with purple and gold elements) suggests chromatic printing with separate color passes. Security printers for Deutsche Reichsbahn emergency issues during this period included government-controlled facilities; the specific printer is not documented in the Pick catalog but was likely a state-authorized printer in Berlin.
This specific note is identified as Pick S1014, issued September 2, 1923, with serial number 375178 and reference code RH-81. The signature 'Ulstet' (Reich Minister of Transport) is documented on this issue. No major varieties (such as different signatures, dates, or overprints) are noted for this particular Pick number; the 10,000,000 Mark denomination from this date and issuer represents a single primary variety. Collectors should verify serial number prefixes and signature variants if building a comprehensive Deutsche Reichsbahn collection, though the standard issue appears to be uniform.
