5 mark 1964 specimen
About This Note
This is an exceptional example of the East German 5 Mark note from 1964, issued by the Deutsche Notenbank of the German Democratic Republic. The note is in uncirculated condition with sharp, detailed engraving throughout and features red MUSTER (specimen) overprints, indicating its non-circulating status as an official specimen. The portrait of Alexander von Humboldt on the obverse and the depiction of the Humboldt University building on the reverse showcase the GDR's emphasis on scientific achievement and cultural heritage during the early Cold War period.
Common. The 5 Mark denomination from 1964 was issued in substantial quantities by the Deutsche Notenbank as a standard circulating denomination throughout the GDR's existence. While specimen notes (marked MUSTER) were produced in smaller quantities than regular circulation notes, they were standard official products issued to banks, government offices, and for archival purposes, making them relatively available to collectors today. Specimen examples are more desirable than regular notes but do not command premium prices that would indicate rarity.
Issued in 1964 during the early phase of the German Democratic Republic, this note reflects the GDR's political identity and educational values through its choice of depicted subjects. Alexander von Humboldt, the 18th-19th century naturalist and explorer, represented intellectual achievement and scientific progress—ideals the communist state sought to promote. The Humboldt University, shown on the reverse, was one of East Germany's premier educational institutions, and its inclusion underscores the regime's investment in state ideology through cultural and scientific symbolism.
The obverse features a finely engraved portrait of Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), the renowned Prussian naturalist and geographer, depicted from the shoulders up in period dress facing slightly left. The portrait is positioned on the right side within an ornate shield-shaped frame with decorative geometric patterns and a sunburst motif behind the denomination display. The note employs a brown and tan color scheme with black engraving lines and cream-colored paper. The reverse depicts the Humboldt University (Humboldt-Universität) in Berlin, rendered as a classical neoclassical building with symmetrical facade, multiple tall windows, mansard roof with ornamental details, and surrounding landscape including a tree. The left side of the reverse features the coat of arms of the German Democratic Republic—a hammer and compass symbol within a circular wreath adorned with wheat/grain motif, representing the worker and socialist identity. Both sides display fine parallel line patterns and guilloché work throughout the borders and background areas. Red diagonal MUSTER overprints appear across both sides, identifying this as an official non-circulating specimen.
{"front":{"denomination":"5 FÜNF MARK (5 Five Mark)","issuer":"DER DEUTSCHEN NOTENBANK DDR (Of the German Note Bank GDR)","location_date":"BERLIN 1964 (Berlin 1964)","portrait_identification":"ALEXANDER V. HUMBOLDT (Alexander von Humboldt)","specimen_marking":"MUSTER (Specimen)","serial_number":"AA 000000"},"back":{"building_identification":"HUMBOLDT-UNIVERSITÄT (Humboldt University)","denomination":"5 FÜNF MARK (5 Five Mark)","legal_warning":"WER BANKNOTEN NACHMACHT ODER VERFÄLSCHT ODER NACHGEMACHTE ODER VERFÄLSCHTE SICH VERSCHAFFT UND IN VERKEHR BRINGT, WIRD BESTRAFT (Whoever counterfeits or forges banknotes or obtains counterfeit or forged notes and puts them into circulation will be punished)","specimen_marking":"MUSTER (Specimen)"}}
Intaglio engraving (line engraving) on cotton-based paper. The detailed line work, fine parallel patterns, guilloché designs, and crisp impressions are characteristic of the high-security intaglio process employed by East German state security printers. The security printer for East German banknotes of this period was typically the Giesecke+Devrient facilities operating under state control or domestic DDR printing houses, though specific attribution would require additional documentation.
This is a specimen note, indicated by the red diagonal MUSTER overprints on both obverse and reverse. The serial number format (AA 000000) and the designation marker 'R' suggest this is from the standard production run of 1964. Varieties in this Pick number may include different signature combinations of Deutsche Notenbank officials, though this specimen's red overprinting masks any signature variations for security purposes. The note represents the standard 1964 issue with no known major varieties affecting its catalog classification.
