Comprehensive Collection of Inflationary Notes from Germany (1910 - 1923)
This affordable collection of German notes tracks the explosion and collapse of the Weimar economy.
$295.00
1 In Stock
Recent Sales in this Category
1kg Kilo Bag of Mixed Pre 1946 (92.5% Pure) Australian Silver Coins ASW=0.925kg
Last sold on: 7/1/2025
$1,725.00
Comprehensive Collection of Inflationary Notes from Germany (1910 - 1923)
Contains 232 notes dated between 1910 and September 1923
This affordable collection of German notes tracks the explosion and collapse of the Weimar economy.
This accumulation of German banknotes offers a tangible link to one of the most turbulent periods in modern history. Spanning from the pre-war stability of the German Empire to the hyperinflationary chaos of the early Weimar Republic, these notes tell a story of economic and social change.
The banknotes issued by Weimar Germany between April 1920 and September 1923 represent one of the most tumultuous economic periods in modern history.
During these years, Germany experienced unprecedented hyperinflation, fueled by the economic fallout of World War I, reparations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, and political instability. These notes serve as artefacts of a time when the value of money changed so rapidly that prices could double in hours, and individuals often carried wheelbarrows full of cash to make basic purchases.
Weimar Germany - The Explosion and Collapse
Following World War I, the German economy was burdened with immense war debts and reparation payments to the Allied powers. Instead of implementing stringent fiscal measures, the government printed money to cover these obligations. By 1921, inflation was steadily rising, but the situation spiralled out of control in 1922 and 1923, particularly after the French and Belgian occupation of the Ruhr, Germany’s industrial heartland. This occupation disrupted coal and steel production, leading to a collapse in industrial output and further devaluation of the German mark. The notes issued during this time often featured astronomical denominations as the government tried to keep up with its currency's rapidly eroding purchasing power.
Purchasing Power of the Notes
Initially, notes issued in the early stages of inflation retained a semblance of purchasing power. For example, a 1,000-mark note in 1920 could still purchase essential goods like bread, meat, and coal. By mid-1922, however, the situation worsened, and denominations skyrocketed. By late 1923, notes with values of hundreds of billions of marks were commonplace but nearly worthless. A loaf of bread that cost 1 mark in 1914 had risen to 200 billion marks by November 1923.
Many of these notes were printed on poor-quality paper and designed quickly, often without elaborate security features, as the urgency of keeping up with inflation outweighed concerns about counterfeiting. The sheer volume of notes produced during this period further diminished their value, and some denominations became so insignificant that they were used as scrap paper or toys for children.
Impact on Different Citizens
Hyperinflation had a profound and varied impact on German society. For the working class, wages were paid daily or twice daily to keep pace with rising prices, but even this was often insufficient to purchase necessities. Middle-class families, who traditionally saved in cash or bonds, were devastated as their life savings became worthless overnight. Pensioners, reliant on fixed incomes, were hit particularly hard, as their purchasing power disappeared entirely.
Farmers, however, fared better than most. With tangible goods like crops and livestock, they could barter or sell products at rapidly increasing prices. Similarly, those with foreign currency or assets abroad were relatively insulated from the crisis. The wealthy elite who invested in land, gold, or art managed to retain their wealth, widening the socioeconomic divide and fueling resentment among the broader population.
The Legacy of the Notes
The hyperinflation era left a deep scar on Germany, contributing to widespread disillusionment with the Weimar Republic and creating fertile ground for political extremism. The notes from this period are more than just remnants of a failed economy—they are a poignant reminder of how economic mismanagement can upend a society. Today, these banknotes are collected not only for their historical significance but also as symbols of the resilience of individuals who endured one of history’s most severe financial crises.
SKU: 213730
Standard Shipping - $9.00
Signature is required on delivery
Express Shipping - $15.00
Signature is required on delivery
Free pick-up from store - $0.00
You're welcome to collect your order from our office (Shop 22; 27-35 William Street; Fremantle; 6160) during normal office hours. Please make sure to check we're open before you head on in!
| SKU | 213730 |
| Shipping Weight | 0.0500kg |
| Shipping Height | 0.001m |
| Assembled Length | 0.030m |
| Assembled Height | 0.001m |
| Assembled Width | 0.030m |
We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity, title and grade of every item we sell. The tax invoices we supply ensure that you have these guarantees in writing.
Please review our Website Terms and Conditions for a complete explanation of the guarantees we provide.
All items ship within 24 hours of confirmed payment being received.
Please review our Website Terms and Conditions for a complete explanation of our availability guarantee.
All orders are delivered via trackable and insured mail at a flat rate of $9 for orders within Australia, and $25 internationally.
Australia Post Parcel Post within Australia can take up to 1 week to arrive, while EMS / ECI international mail can take up to 3 weeks.
Urgent orders can be sent via Australia Post Express Mail at special request.
Please review our Website Terms and Conditions for a complete explanation of our delivery guarantee.
Be The First To Review This Product!
Help other Sterling and Currency users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.
Related Articles
Browse our catalog of World Banknotes below:
Others Also Bought
More From This Category
I've taken my coins to Andrew a few times. Him and his staff are very nice people. Andrew is honest and down to earth. 👍
I have purchased several bulk lots of world coins from Sterling & Currency over the last few years. Read more...
I live on East Coast but prefer dealing with Andrew on the West due to his integrity, knowledge and prices, Read more...
Just purchased a 1966 blue case decimal mint set. Andrew gave me a ring to ensure it had arrived and provided Read more...
.jpg)
About the Sterling & Currency Team
The team at Sterling & Currency is a family affair – small but growing. Andrew Crellin is the main dealer in the business, click here to read this credentials and how he started with the Perth Mint; spent a decade in Sydney working with two leading dealers and relocated back to Perth in 2006.
Jo is our budding Numismatist, Chief Event officer, Photographer and Packing Extraordinaire. Natalie is our media creator and photographer. Nicole manages the accounts and is part of the Packing Team. A myriad of important duties are carried out by the team that include photography, website updates, office admin, and chocolate eating.
Ruby the Ridgeback quite frankly has learned nothing about coins, however contributes by barking at anyone wearing hi-viz.
We're Always Buying!
We need to buy tens of thousands of dollars worth of coins and notes each and every week of the year.
If you'd like to turn all or part of your collection into cash, get in touch with our expert staff and we'll be happy to start working on a deal with you.
Australian Gold Coins
We have extensive experience in handling all Australian gold soveriegns and halves, from the Adelaide Pounds of 1852 right through to the last coins of George V of 1931. All of the Australian gold coins in our online shop are described in detail with high resolution images.
Coins
At Sterling & Currency, we specialize in handling Australian coins dating from our nation's settlement in 1788 through to the introduction of decimal currency in 1966. We have an extensive range in our online store of Australian gold, copper and silver coins.
Decimal Coins
The Australian proof and UNC coins struck by the Perth Mint and the Royal Australian Mint are the most accessible coins available to collectors today. If you're not able to find a particular coin that you're keen to add to your collection, let us know and we'll be contact you when it becomes available.