5000 mark 1922

Common. The eBay sales data provided shows consistent sales activity at modest price levels ($0.99–$6.50 for VF-AU examples in the 2010–2020 period, with graded examples reaching $26–$92), with numerous transactions documented across multiple years. This indicates robust circulation among collectors and dealers. The 5000 Mark denomination from 1922 had a substantial print run and remains readily available in the market. The AU condition grade specified does not elevate rarity significantly; these notes remain affordable and commonly encountered.

This banknote was issued during the final months before the German hyperinflation crisis of 1923, specifically on December 2, 1922, when the Reichsmark was already experiencing severe devaluation. The note's prominent date of issue and text referencing withdrawal from circulation as of April 1, 1923, underscore the monetary instability of the Weimar period. The Imperial German eagle motifs and formal Reichsbank directorate signatures reflect the institutional authority the central bank attempted to project amid economic collapse.

The obverse features a three-quarter portrait of Hans Imhof, a 16th-century merchant, positioned on the right side wearing historical dress including a wide-brimmed hat, rendered after an Albrecht Dürer original. The portrait is executed in brown ink against a light tan and cream background with green underprint elements. Flanking the portrait are the Imperial German eagles—the Reichsadler—appearing in the left margin and repeated at bottom left and bottom right, serving as symbols of state authority. Gothic-style typography dominates the center, with 'Fünftausend Mark' displayed prominently. The reverse presents an entirely ornamental design with a distinctive scalloped border pattern in dark brown and blue, filled with continuous geometric wave patterns and fine-line engraving. Additional eagle emblems appear at the right margin on the reverse. The overall design emphasizes security through dense engraving, complex borders, and repeating decorative elements.

FRONT: 'REICHSBANKNOTE' (Reichsbank Note) / 'Fünftausend Mark' (Five Thousand Mark) / 'Berlin, den 2. Dezember 1922' (Berlin, December 2, 1922) / 'Reichsbankdirektorium' (Reichsbank Directorate) / Legal text: 'samt die Reichebankhäuptskasse in Berlin gegen diese Banknote-Dem Einlieferer vom 1. April 1923 ab konto diese Banknote ausgesuchen und unter Umständen dieselbe gesetzliche Zahlungsmittel einzusohen werden' (together with the Reichsbank main office in Berlin against this banknote to the depositor; from April 1, 1923, this banknote will be withdrawn from circulation and under certain circumstances the same legal tender will be issued). Serial number area: 'Da 16690'. BACK: 'Reichsbanknote' (Reichsbank Note) / 'Fünftausend Mark' (Five Thousand Mark) / Fine print legal text regarding validity and usage (partially legible in image).

The note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, evident from the fine line work, texture depth, and sharp detail visible in the ornamental patterns, border design, and portrait rendering. The multi-color effect (brown on green and light brown underprint on obverse; blue and dark brown on reverse) was achieved through sequential passes typical of high-security banknote production. The Reichsbank contracted with the Reichsdruckerei (Imperial State Printing Office) for production of high-denomination notes during this period.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-81a, the standard 1922 issue dated December 2, 1922. The serial number prefix 'Da' is typical of this series. No major varieties or rare prefixes are evident from the visible serial number 'Da 16690'. The note represents the regular issue without notable overprints or signature variations that would distinguish it as a rare variety.