The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Documents · Coins & banknotes

Reichsmark and Occupation Banknotes: History, Contents and Collector’s Guide

Introduced Reichsmark under the monetary laws of 30 August 1924; first notes dated 11 October 1924
Exchange 1 trillion old Mark = 1 Reichsmark
Wartime issues New notes into 1945; occupation currencies for occupied territories
Collecting interest Series, dates, signatures of Reichsbank officials, condition
In the collection See current pieces in the collection

The Reichsmark was Germany’s currency from the stabilisation of 1924 until the currency reform of 1948. Its notes, and the special currencies issued for occupied territories, are a natural companion to documents of the period.

What Were the Reichsmark and Occupation Banknotes?

According to the Deutsche Bundesbank, the monetary laws of 30 August 1924 made the Reichsmark the unit of account, and the first Reichsmark notes, dated 11 October 1924, were issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50 and 100 RM. Old Mark notes were exchanged at one trillion Mark to one Reichsmark, following the Rentenmark of November 1923 that had ended hyperinflation. A 100 RM note dated 24 June 1935 was the first to show a swastika. Separate currencies were issued for territories occupied by Germany during the war.

Who Issued It, and Who Signed It?

Banknotes carry the printed signatures of the Reichsbank directorate; these are part of the design, not autographs. See Hjalmar Schacht and Walther Funk.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Condition grading drives value; describe folds, tears and stains.
  • Replicas and modern prints exist.
  • Serial numbers and series letters help identify varieties.

Collector’s Note

Banknotes are small pieces of economic history. The 1935 swastika note shows the regime taking over even the currency.

Related Entries and Pieces

Pieces in the Collection

Browse current pieces related to Reichsmark and Occupation Banknotes in the Autographs & Militaria collection.

Browse the full Collector’s Encyclopaedia →

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Reichsmark introduced?

Under the monetary laws of 30 August 1924; the first notes are dated 11 October 1924.

Are signatures on banknotes autographs?

No; they are printed as part of the design.

When did a swastika first appear on a Reichsmark note?

On the 100 RM note dated 24 June 1935, according to the Deutsche Bundesbank.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.

References & Further Reading