100 mark 1944
Market Prices
9 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptional example of the German 100 Mark Allied Military Authority banknote from 1944 (Pick-197a), graded EF for its pristine condition. The note displays crisp, clear printing with vibrant magenta and turquoise coloring on the obverse and rich reddish-brown ornamental designs on the reverse, showing no signs of wear, creasing, or circulation. This scarce Allied occupation currency represents a pivotal moment in WWII monetary history when occupying forces introduced their own currency into German territory.
Common. Despite its historical significance as Allied occupation currency, eBay auction data shows consistent sales in the $5-$26 range across multiple condition grades (F through EF), with 2016 catalog values at $20 (VG), $40 (VF), and $80 (UNC). The moderate pricing and regular availability at auction indicate adequate print runs and circulation without significant scarcity. The Pick-197a variant (with 'F') does not command premiums suggesting rarity within this series.
Issued by the Alliierte Militärbehörde (Allied Military Authority) in 1944, this banknote was part of the military occupation currency introduced by the Allies during the final stages of World War II in Germany. The deliberate omission of traditional German national imagery and the prominent placement of the Allied authority inscription on the reverse reflect the post-invasion control of German monetary policy. This currency was designed to facilitate transactions in occupied territories while replacing the reichsmark system.
The obverse features an elegant Art Deco-influenced design with ornate scrollwork and flourishes in all four corners rendered in gray and black line work. The central field displays a wavy turquoise underprint pattern with magenta denomination numerals '100' positioned in opposite corners and a prominent central cartouche containing '1000'. The reverse is executed in a single reddish-brown color featuring symmetrical ornamental designs including thistle and floral motifs in the corners, with the large letter 'M' (denoting Mark) repeated prominently on both left and right sides. The geometric line engraving throughout demonstrates fine security printing work typical of Allied occupation currency production.
Obverse: '100' (denomination in corners), 'HUNDERT' (Hundred), 'DEUTSCHMARK' (Deutsche Mark/German Mark), 'MARK', 'IN UMLAUF GESETZT' (Put into circulation), 'IN DEUTSCHLAND' (In Germany), Serial number '02823730'. Reverse: 'ALLIIERTE MILITÄRBEHÖRDE' (Allied Military Authority). The front includes full bilingual or multi-language denomination statements consistent with occupying force currency conventions.
Multi-color intaglio (engraved) printing for the obverse (magenta and turquoise inks with black line work on cream paper stock) and single-color intaglio printing for the reverse in reddish-brown. The fine line engraving patterns, intricate geometric work, and precise color registration indicate production by a professional security printer, likely the American Bank Note Company or similar Allied-designated facility responsible for occupation currency production.
This note is identified as Pick-197a, the variant WITH the 'F' designation (visible in serial number area per catalog reference). PMG catalogs four known varieties for this base Pick number: P-197a (with 'F'), P-197b (without 'F'), P-197c (with 'F' & dash), and P-197d (without 'F', with dash). The 9-digit serial number with F prefix (02823730F based on visual analysis) confirms the P-197a classification. No dash variant is present on this specimen.
