1921 – German City of Potsdam 50 Pfennig

Authentic 1921 Potsdam 50 Pfennig Notgeld (emergency money) issued during Germany’s post-World War I economic crisis. This visually striking note features a dynamic illustrated rider on horseback with musical notation on the obverse and bold Gothic lettering on the reverse. Issued by the City of Potsdam, this piece reflects the artistic and cultural creativity that defined German Notgeld of the early 1920s. Highly collectible among German, Weimar-era, and Notgeld specialists. 

Obverse (Front)

• Denomination: 50 Pf. (50 Pfennig) shown at the top left.

• Artwork:
  Features a dramatic illustration of a Prussian cavalry soldier on horseback, captured in dynamic motion with his arm raised and sword drawn. The scene conveys energy, tradition, and Potsdam’s strong Prussian military identity.

• Helmet & Uniform:
  The soldier wears a classic Pickelhaube helmet, reinforcing the imperial German military theme.

• Musical Notation:
  A musical staff with notes and humorous lyrics runs across the top, a hallmark of artistic German Notgeld designed to entertain and engage.

• Text:
  “Potsdamer Gutschein” (Potsdam Voucher) printed prominently at the bottom.

• Color Palette:
  Yellow-orange background with black, grey, and muted green tones, typical of early 1920s lithographic printing.

Reverse (Back)

• Issuer:
  “Die Stadt Sparkasse Potsdam” (The City Savings Bank of Potsdam).

• Denomination:
  Large central “50 Pfennig” in bold Gothic lettering.

• Coat of Arms:
  The Potsdam city crest with red eagle appears at the top.

• Issue Date:
  Potsdam, 28. Nov. 1921

• Validity:
  “Gültig bis 1. Apr. 1922” (Valid until April 1, 1922).

• Serial Number:
  Printed at the bottom (example shown: 7970).

• Design:
  Ornate background with symmetrical line patterns and decorative borders.