10 mark 1948
About This Note
This is a 10 Reichsmark banknote from 1948, issued during the Soviet occupation zone period in East Germany (Pick P-4a). The note displays excellent UNC condition with vibrant green and pink coloring on the obverse and brown tones on the reverse, featuring intricate engraving work and detailed portrait medallions. The crisp security printing, ornate decorative elements, and well-preserved serial numbers (T.19263169) make this an attractive example of early post-war German currency.
Common. The 1948 Soviet zone 10 mark notes (Pick P-4a) were issued in substantial quantities during the occupation period and remain readily available to collectors. UNC examples are not exceptional, as these notes were preserved in banking stocks and are frequently encountered in the numismatic market. No documented short print run, recall, or scarcity indicators apply to this variety.
This 10 mark note was issued in 1948 under Soviet occupation authority following World War II, representing the transitional currency period before the official establishment of East Germany (DDR) in 1949. The retention of 'Reichsmark' denomination and Reichsbank references reflects the continuity with pre-war German monetary institutions, while the 1948 overprint indicates Soviet zone administrative control. The allegorical imagery and classical female figures on the reverse exemplify the design traditions of Weimar-era German currency.
The obverse features a bearded male portrait in formal 19th-century dress with high collar, positioned on the right side in profile facing right, likely representing a prominent German historical or political figure. The denomination '10' appears within decorative rectangular frames on the left, with the date '1948' prominently marked. A Reichsadler (imperial German eagle) seal appears on the right side, accompanied by a 'REICHSTAG KONTROLLSTEMPEL' (Reichstag control stamp) circular seal in the lower left. The reverse displays a central circular medallion containing a woman's profile facing left, flanked by two classical allegorical female figures representing virtues or prosperity. All four corners contain ornamental frames housing the denomination. The design utilizes extensive Gothic script text and fine line engraving patterns throughout.
FRONT SIDE: 'Reichsbanknote' (Reich Bank Note), '10' and 'Reichsmark' (Ten Reich Marks), Serial number: T.19263169, 'Ausgegeben auf Grund des Bankgesetzes vom 30. August 1924, Berlin, vom 22. Januar 1929' (Issued on the basis of the Banking Act of August 30, 1924, Berlin, of January 22, 1929), 'Reichsbankdirektorium' (Reichsbank Directorate), '1948'. BACK SIDE: '10' (in all four corners), 'Reichsmark', 'Reichsbanknnote' (Reich Bank Note), Serial number: T.19263169, 'WERTBESTANDIGKEITSNACHWEIS NICHT UNTERZIEHEN WERDE MIT ZUCHTTHAUS NICHT UNTER ZWEI JAHREN BESTRAFT' (Value preservation evidence - will be punished with imprisonment not under two years [for counterfeiting/defacement]).
This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, characteristic of German banknotes from this era. The detailed line engraving patterns, fine cross-hatching backgrounds, intricate portrait work, and sharp reproduction of decorative elements all indicate steel plate engraving. The crispness of the ornamental borders, allegorical figures, and security elements visible in the UNC condition confirm high-quality intaglio production. The note was likely printed by the Reichsdruckerei (German State Printing Office) or authorized security printer under Soviet occupation administration.
Serial number T.19263169 indicates the standard production series for this Pick number. The 1948 date is consistent with P-4a classification. No overprints, signature varieties, or other notable variants are evident on this example. The note represents the standard production type of the Soviet zone occupation currency issue.
