10 Pfennige Pfennig (Notgeld) #212

Front

Notgeld emergency currency issued by the Stadt Liegnitz (City of Liegnitz, now Legnica, Poland), denomination 10 Pfennige. The note features Gothic-style lettering reading 'Gutschein über Zehn Pfennige' (Voucher for Ten Pfennigs) with decorative green wreath borders and Art Nouveau-style ornamentation. Two signatures appear at the bottom, one identified as 'Markmann' and the other as the Bürgermeister (mayor). Printed by Geographisches Institut Paul Beradt Liegnitz, as noted in the imprint.

Back

Historic building in Liegnitz set within landscaped gardens with trees and a pond or reflecting pool in the foreground. The architecture appears to be a classical-style institutional building, possibly the Ritterakademie (Knight's Academy) or another significant public building in the city. Text 'Serie II' at top indicates this is from the second series of notgeld issued by the municipality. Left margin contains redemption conditions text: 'Die Scheine verlieren ihre Gültigkeit mit Ablauf der im Umlauf bestimmten Frist' (The notes lose their validity upon expiry of the specified circulation period). Serial number '0480846' appears vertically at right.

History

Notgeld (emergency money) issued by the municipality of Liegnitz during the period of hyperinflation and currency shortage in Germany, most likely during or shortly after World War I (1914–1923). Liegnitz (now Legnica, Poland) was an important Prussian city in Lower Silesia. Local authorities issued small-denomination paper scrip when imperial coinage became scarce. The Serie II designation indicates this was part of a multi-series issuance. Such notgeld were typically valid only within the issuing municipality and for limited time periods. After Germany's territorial losses following WWII, Liegnitz became part of Poland and these notes became obsolete.