50 reichspfennig 1940
Market Prices
20 salesAbout This Note
This is a well-preserved 50 Reichspfennig banknote from 1940 issued by the Reichskreditkasse, graded in AU (About Uncirculated) condition. The note displays crisp, sharp printing with vibrant green ink on tan paper, featuring intricate geometric border patterns and security mesh throughout. Notable is the presence of the Nazi swastika symbol in the lower left corner and an eagle emblem seal on the right side of the obverse, typical iconography of Reichskreditkasse emergency currency during the Second World War period.
Common. The eBay price history shows consistent sales across multiple condition grades, with AU-condition notes selling for $12.50–$17.50 in recent years. The high volume of transactions (20+ recorded sales from 2015–2025) and relatively modest prices indicate robust collector demand but widespread availability. Reichskreditkasse notes were issued in large quantities as emergency wartime currency, making individual denominations like this 50 Pfennig note readily available to collectors.
The Reichskreditkasse notes were emergency currency issued under Nazi Germany's wartime regulations, as indicated by the inscription 'Ausgegeben auf Grund der Verordnung über Reichskreditkassen' (Issued pursuant to the Regulation on Reichskreditkassen). These notes served as supplementary circulation currency during the Second World War. The prominent Nazi eagle emblem and swastika symbol reflect the Third Reich's official iconography and underscore this note's role as state-issued wartime emergency money.
The obverse features a formal layout with the denomination '50' displayed prominently in large numerals at both left and right margins. The center contains German text in Gothic/Fraktur typeface identifying this as official Reichskreditkasse currency. A circular eagle emblem seal appears on the right side, representing the Third Reich's state authority. The Nazi swastika symbol is positioned in the lower left corner. Intricate geometric decorative borders frame the design. The reverse displays a large central '50' denomination with 'Reichspfennig' below it, surrounded by a fine mesh/crosshatch security pattern that covers the entire surface. Decorative borders frame the top and bottom. The color scheme throughout is green ink on light tan/beige paper.
OBVERSE: 'Fünfzig Reichspfennig' = Fifty Reichspfennig; 'Ausgegeben auf Grund der Verordnung über Reichskreditkassen' = Issued pursuant to the Regulation on Reichskreditkassen; 'Hauptverwaltung der Reichskreditkassen' = Main Administration of the Reichskreditkassen; Serial number: 95 116735. REVERSE: '50' = 50; 'Reichspfennig' = Reichspfennig; 'Gebrauchsmünze, zahlbar bei Behörden' = Currency for use, payable at authorities.
This note employs intaglio (recess) printing combined with security features typical of emergency currency production. The fine mesh/crosshatch pattern visible across both sides served as an anti-counterfeiting measure. The sharp, crisp printing quality and intricate geometric patterns indicate professional security printer production, likely by a German state-controlled security printing facility during wartime.
The observed serial number prefix '95' may indicate a printing run or distribution batch identifier for the Reichskreditkasse. The specific serial number 95 116735 should be recorded for provenance tracking. No other visible varieties (signatures, date variations, or overprints) are apparent from the visual analysis. The Pick catalog number P-R135 designates this as the standard 1940 issue of this denomination.
