The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Government & Party
Hjalmar Schacht (1877–1970): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 22 January 1877, Tinglev |
|---|---|
| Died | 3 June 1970, Munich |
| Key offices | Reichsbank President (1923–1930 and 1933–1939); Minister of Economics (1934–1937) |
| Documents bearing his name | Reichsbank and ministry papers; his signature also appears printed on Reichsbank banknotes |
| In the collection | No pieces currently available |
Hjalmar Schacht financed German rearmament in the 1930s as Reichsbank President and Minister of Economics. For collectors, his name has a special place because, as Reichsbank President, his signature was printed on banknotes, a link between this encyclopaedia and the Coins & Banknotes section of the collection.
Who Was Hjalmar Schacht?
Schacht was born in Tinglev in 1877. He was appointed Reichsbank President in December 1923 and resigned in 1930. After Hitler came to power he was reappointed in 1933 and served until his dismissal in 1939. He was Minister of Economics from 1934 to 1937.
What Documents Bear Schacht’s Signature?
Original signatures appear on Reichsbank and ministry correspondence and on later private letters. On banknotes, the signatures of the Reichsbank directorate are printed, not handwritten. See original signature or facsimile and Reichsmark banknotes.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Banknote signatures are printed.
- Reichsbank President documents: 1923–30 and 1933–39.
- Post-war letters should be described as such.
Responsibility and Fate
Schacht was imprisoned after the 20 July 1944 plot and later captured by the Allies. The International Military Tribunal acquitted him. He died in Munich in 1970.
Collector’s Note
Schacht is a good example for teaching collectors the difference between a printed signature and an autograph: the same name appears in print on millions of banknotes and in ink on a handful of letters.
Related Entries and Pieces
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Schacht’s name on banknotes?
As Reichsbank President his printed signature appeared with those of the directorate.
Was Schacht convicted at Nuremberg?
No, he was acquitted.
When was Schacht Reichsbank President?
1923–1930 and 1933–1939.
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
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, Hjalmar Schacht.