100 mark 1944

Common. The eBay price history provided demonstrates consistent market circulation with examples selling between $2-$40 depending on condition, with VF examples routinely trading in the $5-$15 range. The 2016 catalogue values ($5 VG, $15 VF, $50 UNC) further support common classification. As a regular issue from a major occupation authority with substantial print runs, this Pick number variant remains readily available to collectors.

Issued by the Alliierte Militärbehörde (Allied Military Authority) in 1944, this banknote represents the monetary control apparatus established by the Allies in occupied Germany during World War II. The prominent 'M' medallion on the reverse symbolizes military authority and occupation governance, while the baroque decorative elements and formal German inscriptions reflect the continuation of pre-war German design traditions under Allied supervision. This currency facilitated the administration and economic management of German territories as the war drew to its conclusion.

The obverse features an ornate baroque-style design with scrollwork and floral elements in all four corners, set against an intricate turquoise wavy-line security pattern. The central design displays the denomination 'HUNDERT MARK' in magenta with '100' repeated in corners and a prominent magenta rectangular panel. The reverse, rendered in rust-red and cream tones, showcases a large circular medallion containing a white 'M' initial or military designation mark, surrounded by matching baroque decorative flourishes and the same fine wavy-line background pattern. Both sides employ complex multi-color separation printing typical of occupation currency design.

FRONT: 'HUNDERT' (Hundred), 'HUNDERT MARK' (Hundred Mark), 'IN UMLAUF GESETZT' (Put into circulation), 'DEUTSCHLAND' (Germany), 'SERIE 1944' (Series 1944), with denominations '100' in all four corners and numerical designations '1000'. BACK: 'ALLIIERTE MILITÄRBEHÖRDE' (Allied Military Authority) displayed prominently in banner format at top, with 'M' at center indicating military designation.

This note was produced using intaglio engraving (steel plate printing), evidenced by the fine, crisp line work visible in the decorative borders, the intricate wavy-line security pattern, and the sharp definition of all text and numerical elements. The precise color separation between the turquoise/magenta obverse and rust-red reverse indicates professional security printing practices. The note was likely produced by a German printer under Allied supervision, employing traditional high-security banknote manufacturing techniques of the period.

This note is identified as Pick P-197d variant: 100 Mark without 'F' but with dash in serial number format. The visual analysis confirms the 8-digit serial number with dash (examples visible: 9751856, 9751785) and absence of 'F' prefix. The PMG population report identifies four variants for this base Pick number: P-197a (with 'F'), P-197b (without 'F'), P-197c (with 'F' and dash), and P-197d (without 'F' with dash, as observed here). The serial number format with dash but no letter prefix is the distinguishing characteristic of this specific variety.