20 reichsmark 1929

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows this note in various conditions consistently selling in the $1-67 range depending on grade, with most AU and UNC examples trading between $3-10, indicating substantial supply in the numismatic market. The 20 Reichsmark denomination from 1929 was a regular issue with significant print runs, and examples remain readily available to collectors. The AU grade specimen documented here aligns with typical market pricing for this condition level ($3.79-10.50 observed in recent sales), confirming its common status.

This banknote was issued under the authority of the Rentenmark/Reichsmark system established by the Dawes Plan of 1924, as noted in the inscription 'Ausgestellt auf Grund des Gesetzes vom 30. August 1924.' The portrait of Werner von Siemens, the renowned German inventor and industrialist, reflects the Weimar Republic's effort to celebrate German technological achievement and economic recovery during the relative stability of the late 1920s. The allegorical imagery on the reverse, depicting classical figures with agricultural symbols (grapes and fruit), represents prosperity and economic vitality during this period before the devastating impact of the 1929 stock market crash.

The front of the note features a large ornate '20' denomination numeral with elaborate decorative flourishes on the left side, with the center dominated by German text in gothic/blackletter script. The right side displays an oval-framed engraved portrait of Werner von Siemens in profile facing left, rendered in the high-quality steel engraving style typical of German banknotes of this era. The reverse presents a more elaborate allegorical composition with a large central oval medallion (likely containing a portrait or coat of arms, though details are obscured) flanked symmetrically by two cherubic allegorical figures (putti) who hold grape vines and fruit bunches, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. The denomination '20' appears in all four corners of the reverse. Throughout both sides, the design incorporates elaborate guilloché patterns, ornamental borders, and scrollwork typical of high-security banknote design. A watermark of W. von Siemens appears on the left with an underprint letter.

FRONT: 'Reichsbanknote' (Reich bank note); 'zwanzig Reichsmark' (twenty Reich marks); 'Ausgestellt auf Grund des Gesetzes vom 30. August 1924' (Issued under the law of August 30, 1924); 'Berlin, um 22. Januar 1929' (Berlin, on January 22, 1929); 'Reichsbankdirektorium' (Reich Bank Directorate); Serial number 'C·46550515'. BACK: 'Reichsmark' (Reich mark); 'Reichsbankdirektorium' (Reich Bank Directorate); 'WER BANKNOTEN NACHMACHT ODER VERFÄLSCHT ODER NACHGEMACHTE ODER VERFÄLSCHTE SICH VERSCHAFFT UND IN VERKEHR BRINGT WIRD MIT ZUCHTHAUS NICHT UNTER ZWEI JAHREN BESTRAFT' (Whoever counterfeits banknotes or commits forgery or acquires counterfeited or forged notes and brings them into circulation is punished with imprisonment not less than two years); Serial number 'C·46550515' (repeated); Denomination '20' (in all four corners).

This note was produced using traditional steel engraving and intaglio printing techniques, as evidenced by the fine detail, sharp lines, and complex guilloché work visible throughout the design. The external reference indicates that the 'Kreuz-Iris' color transition printing technique was employed on this series until 1940/1941, a specialized security feature used to create subtle color gradations in the underprint that are difficult to reproduce photographically. The multiple colors (beige/tan background with brown engraving and red serial numbers and accents) were applied through multi-stage printing processes typical of Reichsbank note production during the Weimar period.

This note is identified as Pick catalog number P-181a, with serial number C·46550515. The series exists in varieties both with and without 'Kreuz-Iris' printing (as noted in the external reference), though this distinction is difficult to determine from visual inspection or photographs alone. The 'C' prefix on the serial number and the specific date of January 22, 1929, are consistent with the documented issue date. The watermark of W. von Siemens with underprint letter is noted as a standard security feature of this issue.