10 DEM #178

Front

Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777–1855), German mathematician, astronomer, and physicist, widely regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. He made fundamental contributions to number theory, algebra, statistics, analysis, differential geometry, geodesy, geophysics, electrostatics, astronomy, and optics. The note depicts him in his later years wearing a cap, with a view of historic Göttingen including the Johanniskirche church tower and old observatory buildings in the background.

Back

A sextant, the precision navigational and surveying instrument used for measuring angles, reflecting Gauss's work in geodesy and astronomy. The background includes a representation of the Gaussian normal distribution curve (bell curve), one of his most famous contributions to statistics and probability theory, along with a geometric triangulation network map showing German cities including Hamburg, Hannover, Braunschweig, and others, referencing his geodetic survey work.

History

This note belongs to the BBk III series (third Deutsche Bundesbank series), issued from 1989 to 1991, the final Deutsche Mark series before German reunification and the eventual transition to the Euro. The 10 Mark denomination honoring Gauss was introduced on 2 January 1989 as indicated on the note. This series was produced by Bundesdruckerei in Berlin. The Deutsche Mark was demonetized on 28 February 2002 following the introduction of euro banknotes and coins, though notes could be exchanged at Bundesbank branches indefinitely.