100 mark 1944

Common. The eBay sales history shows this note regularly trading between $12.50 and $89 depending on grade, with multiple examples in the PMG 64-65 range selling for $30-60 in recent years. The 2016 catalog values place it at $30 in VF condition and $50 in UNC, indicating it was produced in substantial quantities. The existence of four documented Pick variants (P-197a through P-197d) and the absence of any scarcity premiums in pricing data confirm this is a commonly encountered note among collectors of Allied occupation currency.

This banknote represents a crucial transitional period in German monetary history, issued by the Allied Military Authority following Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II. The 'M' symbol on the obverse and the formal 'ALLIIERTE MILITÄRBEHÖRDE' inscription reflect the Allied occupation and administration of German territory during 1944-1948, when military authorities temporarily assumed control of currency issuance. The classical engraving style and deliberate design elements served to establish monetary legitimacy and stability during reconstruction of the German economy under Allied supervision.

The obverse features a predominantly mauve/rose color scheme with a cream/beige background, dominated by a large, intricately engraved ornamental 'M' enclosed within an elaborate baroque-style circular decorative frame. Thistle or floral motifs appear in the corners and borders, executed in a classical engraving style typical of high-security currency design. The reverse presents a striking turquoise/cyan central field filled with fine, repeating wavy line patterns that serve as sophisticated anti-counterfeiting security features, with the denomination '100' prominently displayed in a magenta/pink rectangular frame. The outer borders on both sides feature gray/black and magenta/pink ornamental scrollwork and decorative designs characteristic of mid-20th century German currency aesthetic.

Front (Obverse): 'ALLIIERTE MILITÄRBEHÖRDE' translates to 'Allied Military Authority'; 'M' denotes the Mark denomination. Back (Reverse): '100' indicates the face value of one hundred marks; 'BUNDESREPUBLIK' translates to 'Federal Republic'; 'DEUTSCHE MARK' translates to 'German Mark'; Serial number '105029860' is a 9-digit identifier without the 'F' prefix characteristic of this Pick-197b variety.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, the standard security printing method for Allied occupation currency. The fine line engraving patterns, intricate baroque decorative elements, and complex wavy line security patterns visible on the reverse are hallmarks of intaglio production. The printer for Allied Military Authority notes of this period was typically the Bundesdruckerei or contracted security printers under Allied supervision; the multi-layered design complexity and sharp, crisp impression indicate professional security printing standards of the era.

This note is identified as Pick-197b (100 Mark - Without 'F'). The visual analysis confirms the 9-digit serial number lacks the 'F' prefix, which is the defining characteristic of this variety. According to PMG population data, four recognized varieties exist: P-197a (with 'F'), P-197b (without 'F'), P-197c (with 'F' and Dash), and P-197d (without 'F' with Dash). This example belongs to the P-197b variety based on the absence of the 'F' prefix in the serial number format, making it consistent with the catalog designation.