1920 - Germany - City of Rinteln 10 Pfennig

1920 - Germany - City of Rinteln 10 Pfennig
CA$7.00

This is a 10 Pfennig German Notgeld (emergency money) note issued by the City of Rinteln (Stadt Rinteln) in August 1920.
It’s an excellent example of early Weimar-era municipal Notgeld, featuring heraldic symbolism, architectural motifs, and reference to one of Germany’s most famous literary figures — Hieronymus von Münchhausen, the “Baron of Lies.”

🏦 Issuer & Origin

  • Issuer: Stadt Rinteln (City of Rinteln)

  • Region: Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), Germany

  • Date of Issue: August 1920

  • Denomination: 10 Pfennig

  • Designer: Rudolf Hillebrecht (noted on the bottom margin)

  • Printer: Likely a local or regional printing house in Lower Saxony

💶 Type of Currency

This note is German Notgeld, or “emergency money,” issued during the turbulent post–World War I period (1919–1923).
Due to inflation, coin shortages, and the disruption of the German economy, thousands of towns issued their own temporary paper currency.

By mid-1920, Notgeld had evolved from a necessity into a patriotic and artistic expression, with colorful designs celebrating local landmarks, myths, or historic personalities.

🎨 Design & Artistic Features

  • Main Design (obverse):

    • At the top, in bold red Fraktur font, appears the title:

      “Stadt Rinteln” — City of Rinteln.

    • The central image depicts Rinteln’s medieval city gate, with battlements, spires, and the city’s coat of arms in the center — a crowned red lion on a white shield, set above stylized water waves representing the Weser River, which flows through Rinteln.

    • The number 10 appears prominently on both lower corners, indicating the denomination.

    • Between the numbers is an ornate crest showing a figure of Hieronymus von Münchhausen, holding a quill pen — a nod to the legendary storyteller associated with Lower Saxony.

    • Below, a text ribbon bears his name:

      “Hieronymus von Münchhausen”

    • The note is signed by Rinteln’s city officials — Der Stadtverordn.-Vorsteher (city council chairman) and Der Magistrat (magistrate).

    • The issue date reads:

      “Rinteln, im August 1920”

    • Text at the bottom states the note’s expiration:

      “Dieser Gutschein verliert seine Gültigkeit 1 Monat nach erfolgter öffentl. Bekanntmachung.”
      Translation: “This voucher loses its validity one month after public notice of redemption.”

  • Artistic Details:

    • The design combines Gothic architecture with Art Nouveau geometry, characteristic of 1920s German graphic design.

    • Color palette: Gold-yellow background with red, blue, and black detailing, emphasizing heraldic contrast.

    • Artist’s mark: “ENTW. RUDOLF HILLEBRECHT” (Entworfen = designed by Rudolf Hillebrecht) appears along the lower margin.

🕰️ Historical Context

Rinteln, located on the Weser River in Lower Saxony, is a medieval town with rich architectural heritage.
By 1920, Germany’s currency crisis was intensifying, and small municipalities began issuing their own localized notes to keep commerce running.

Rinteln’s 1920 Notgeld series celebrated local pride and culture, referencing:

  • The town’s historic gatehouse, symbolizing protection and endurance.

  • Hieronymus von Münchhausen (1720–1797), the real-life baron whose tall tales inspired “The Adventures of Baron Münchhausen.” Though Münchhausen lived in Bodenwerder (about 40 km from Rinteln), the region shares cultural ties and celebrates him as a Lower Saxon folk hero.

🧭 About Rinteln

  • Founded in the Middle Ages on the Weser River.

  • A former university town (Academia Ernestina, founded 1621).

  • Renowned for its timber-framed houses, defensive walls, and historical connections to the County of Schaumburg.

  • The city’s coat of arms (lion and crown) represents its medieval status and governance under Schaumburg-Lippe.