5 000 000 000 mark 1923

Common. While hyperinflation notes are historically significant and visually interesting, the 5 billion mark denomination was printed in very large quantities before the currency reform in November 1923. eBay price tracking data confirms common market availability, with EF examples consistently selling in the $14-$23 range and 2016 catalog values listing EF at only $30. The large print run and ready availability in the secondary market place this note squarely in the 'common' category despite its historical importance.

This note epitomizes the extreme hyperinflation of 1923 that devastated the German economy following World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. The September 1923 date places it near the peak of the crisis, when the Reichsbank was forced to issue increasingly absurd denominations—this 5 billion mark note would be worthless within weeks. The Weimar Republic eagle seals and official Reichsbankdirektorium signatures reflect the desperate attempt by legitimate monetary authorities to maintain credibility even as the currency collapsed, ultimately replaced by the Rentenmark in November 1923.

This uniface design (printed on front only) features a formal layout characteristic of late hyperinflation Reichsbanknotes. A large numeral '5' in an elaborate decorative frame dominates the left side, framed within an ornate Art Deco geometric border with repeating patterns. Two circular official seals bearing the Weimar Republic eagle appear symmetrically positioned. The right side displays heraldic elements and coat of arms ornamentation. The central text block provides the legal authority, denomination, and date of issue. The color scheme employs cream and tan stock with brown and olive-green inks, creating a formal appearance despite the absurd denomination. The fine-line printing throughout and geometric ornamentation represent typical security features of the period. A watermark of small crucifera blossoms (marked 'D') provides additional authentication.

FRONT SIDE: 'Reichsbanknote' (Reichsbank Note) / 'Fünf Milliarden Mark' (Five Billion Mark) / 'Berlin, den 10. September 1923' (Berlin, September 10, 1923) / 'Reichsbankdirektorium' (Reichsbank Directorate) / Serial number: '21n.1892109' / Legal warning: 'Wer Banknoten nachmacht oder verfälscht wird nach §143 des Strafgesetzbuches mit Geldstrafe bis zu 20000 Mark oder mit Freiheitsstrafe bis zu zwei Jahren bestraft' (Anyone who counterfeits or falsifies banknotes will be punished under §143 of the Criminal Code with a fine of up to 20,000 marks or imprisonment of up to two years) / Payment notice: 'Zahlt die Reichsbankhautkasse in Berlin gegen diese Banknote dem Einlieferer. Vom 1. Januar 1924 ab kann diese Banknote aufgerufen und unter Umtausch gegen andere gesetzliche Zahlungsmittel eingezogen werden' (The Reichsbank main office in Berlin pays against this banknote to the person delivering it. From January 1, 1924 onwards, this banknote can be called in and exchanged for other legal means of payment). BACK SIDE: Blank or nearly blank.

Intaglio (recess) printing on banknote paper, characteristic of official German Reichsbanknotes of this period. The fine geometric lines, ornate borders, and detailed security patterns visible in the images are consistent with intaglio production. The printer for Pick-115b was likely Giesecke+Devrient or Bundesdruckerei, the primary official banknote printers for the Reichsbank during the hyperinflation crisis, though specific attribution would require additional research into this particular printing run.

Pick-115b is a designated variety (the 'b' suffix indicates a known variant within the Pick catalog system for this denomination). This specific example bears serial number '21n.1892109', which may indicate a particular printing series or sheet. The date of September 10, 1923, and the signatures of the Reichsbankdirektorium members are consistent with documented Pick-115b characteristics. No overprints or other special markings are visible in the images that would indicate additional varieties or special issues.