100 mark 1975
About This Note
This is a pristine, uncirculated 100 Mark banknote from the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), issued by the Staatsbank der DDR in 1975 and cataloged as Pick P-31a. The note displays striking blue and red coloration with intricate security printing, featuring a portrait of a bearded historical figure on the obverse and a modernist urban architectural scene on the reverse. The excellent condition, sharp printing, and complete absence of wear make this an attractive example of DDR currency design.
Common. The 100 Mark note was a standard denomination in circulation throughout the DDR's existence until reunification in 1990. Millions of these notes were printed across multiple years and series. While uncirculated examples in pristine condition are more desirable than circulated pieces, this denomination and Pick number remain readily available in the collector market at modest valuations.
Issued during the height of the Cold War division of Germany, this 1975 banknote represents the German Democratic Republic's assertion of independent monetary authority through the Staatsbank der DDR. The reverse depicts a contemporary socialist-era urban streetscape with modern architecture and public infrastructure, reflecting the state's emphasis on technological progress and modernization. The hammer and compass state emblem prominently featured on both sides symbolized the East German state's ideological commitment to industrial and collective progress.
The obverse features a portrait of a bearded man with long hair shown in right profile, positioned on the right side of the note. The circular state emblem of the DDR—featuring a hammer and compass within an ornate wreath with a rising sun motif at the top—appears prominently in the upper left. The reverse depicts a modernist urban scene characteristic of 1970s East German socialist architecture, including multi-story residential or administrative buildings, a broadcasting/communications tower, period street lamps, and parked vehicles on a city street. The background throughout features intricate geometric grid patterns and fine vertical line security printing in blue and navy tones against a cream/beige base. Denomination numerals appear in multiple locations for easy recognition.
FRONT SIDE: 'STAATSBANK DER DDR' (State Bank of the GDR); 'HUNDERT MARK' (One Hundred Mark); 'DER DEUTSCHEN DEMOKRATISCHEN REPUBLIK' (Of the German Democratic Republic); '1975' (Year of issue); Serial number 'AJ7515719' (appears twice); Denomination '100'. BACK SIDE: 'HUNDERT MARK' (One Hundred Mark); 'DER DEUTSCHEN DEMOKRATISCHEN REPUBLIK' (Of the German Democratic Republic); Denomination '100' (appears twice); Warning text: 'WER BANKNOTEN NACHMACHT ODER VERFÄLSCHT ODER NACHGEMACHTE ODER VERFÄLSCHE SICH VERSCHAFFT UM SIE IN VERKEHR ZU BRINGEN WIRD BESTRAFT' (Whoever counterfeits or forges banknotes or acquires counterfeited or forged notes in order to put them into circulation will be punished).
Intaglio (steel engraving) combined with offset lithography for the color backgrounds. The note exhibits the characteristic fine line work, geometric security patterns, and multi-layer color printing typical of high-security currency production by the DDR's official state printer. The dense geometric and linear patterns visible throughout serve both aesthetic and anti-counterfeiting functions.
The serial number prefix 'AJ' indicates this note is from a standard production series. The 1975 date confirms the issue year. Pick P-31a represents the base catalog entry for the 100 Mark 1975 issue. Varieties within this Pick number may exist based on different serial number prefixes or printer marks, but without comparison to known varieties or detailed printer documentation, the specific variety designation cannot be confirmed beyond the standard P-31a classification.
