5 mark 1918

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows consistent sales of this note in Fine to VF condition ranging from $3-$20, with AU/UNC examples commanding premium prices ($58-$90). The 2008 catalog valuations ($15 VG, $25 VF, $60 UNC) combined with modern market data indicating frequent sales at modest prices demonstrates this is a readily available note. While Darlehnskasse Ost notes have collector interest due to their historical significance, the denomination and 1918 date were produced in sufficient quantities that AU examples remain available to collectors, though less common than lower grades.

The Darlehnskasse Ost was established by the German occupation authority to provide credit during World War I in the Eastern territories, particularly in Lithuania (then Kowno/Kaunas). The multilingual inscriptions in German, Lithuanian, and Estonian on this note directly reflect the occupation's administrative complexity and the region's diverse population under German control. This 1918 issuance represents one of the final monetary instruments of the German occupation before the collapse of Imperial Germany and the establishment of Lithuanian independence.

This regional banknote features a classical German occupation-era design with no portraits, consistent with many Darlehnskasse issues. The dominant design element is an elaborate decorative border comprising interlocking floral motifs and geometric patterns in blue and brown on a cream/tan paper base. The front displays the denomination and issuer information prominently in the central area, flanked by symmetrical ornamental borders and cross symbols serving as security elements. The back repeats the denomination in multiple languages and includes a central decorative medallion with geometric circular patterns, emphasizing the multicultural administration of occupied Lithuania. The fine line engraving work throughout creates a intricate matrix pattern typical of period German banknote security printing. Serial numbers appear in red ink on both sides (B 035455), with provision for handwritten signatures indicating the notes' character as credit certificates rather than standard currency.

FRONT: 'Darlehnskassenschein' (Loan Bank Certificate); 'Fünf Mark' (Five Mark); 'Kowno, den 4. April 1918' (Kaunas, April 4, 1918); 'Darlehnskasse Ost' (Eastern Loan Bank); Serial number: B 035455; 'Die Einlösung der Darlehnskassenscheine der Darlehnskasse Ost in Reichsmark zum Nennwert ist vom Deutschen Reich gewährleistet.' (The redemption of the Eastern Loan Bank certificates in Reichsmark at face value is guaranteed by the German Reich.) BACK: 'Darlehnskassenschein' (Loan Bank Certificate); 'Fünf Mark' (Five Mark); 'Wer Darlehnskassenscheine nachmacht oder verfälscht oder nachgemachte oder verfälschte sich verschafft und in Verkehr bringt, wird mit Zuchthaus bis zu acht Jahren bestraft.' (Whoever counterfeits or forges Loan Bank certificates or obtains counterfeit or forged ones and puts them in circulation will be punished with hard labor for up to eight years.); Lithuanian text 'Skolinamosios kasos zenklas' (Loan bank seal); 'penkios markes' (five marks); Extended Lithuanian and Estonian legal text regarding counterfeiting penalties.

The note was produced using fine line engraving and intaglio printing techniques, evident from the crisp, detailed border patterns and the precise line work visible throughout both sides. The intricate decorative borders and security patterns characteristic of German occupation currency demonstrate the work of skilled security printers. The multilingual text and uniform printing quality suggest production by an established German security printer, likely operating under occupation authority supervision. The red ink used for serial numbers indicates selective color application typical of period German banknote production.

The observed specimen carries serial number prefix 'B' with number 035455, indicating this is from the standard series produced by the Darlehnskasse Ost in 1918. The specific date of issue is April 4, 1918 (den 4. April 1918). Known varieties for P-R130 include different signature combinations and minor printing variations. The presence of space for handwritten signatures suggests signature varieties exist within this Pick number, though the specific signature authority or variant designation cannot be definitively determined from the images alone. Standard cataloging recognizes this as the basic 1918 5 Mark issue without major sub-varieties commonly noted for rarer denominations.