1921 - German Imperial City of Jena 75 Pfennig

1921 - German Imperial City of Jena 75 Pfennig
CA$10.00

German Notgeld note from the Imperial City of Jena, issued in 1921, and it’s a particularly artistic and intellectual-themed piece—very desirable among collectors.

Below is a clear explanation of both sides, the symbolism, and collector value.

🇩🇪 Notgeld der Universitätsstadt Jena – 75 Pfennig (1921)

Issuer

City of Jena, Thuringia, Germany
Issued during the post–World War I inflation period

  • Denomination: 75 Pfennig

  • Issue date: 1 May 1921

  • Type: Emergency money (Notgeld)

  • Designer: Ernst Abbe (noted on the artwork)

  • Printer: Ant. Kämpfe, Jena

🖼️ Front (Obverse): Ernst Abbe & Science

  • The central figure is Ernst Abbe (1840–1905), physicist, social reformer, and co-founder of Carl Zeiss optics.

  • He is shown beside a microscope, symbolizing:

    • Scientific discovery

    • Education

    • Jena’s world-renowned optical and academic legacy

  • Geometric crystal forms at the bottom reference optics, precision, and material science.

  • The large “75” marks the unusual denomination—many towns chose 75 Pfennig as a practical substitute for missing coinage.

This side celebrates knowledge over wealth, making it one of the most intellectual-themed Notgeld designs.

🌟 Back (Reverse): Sunburst & Civic Authority

  • Dominated by a radiating sunburst, with the denomination “75” centered over a stylized imperial eagle motif.

  • Text reads:

    “Notgeld der Universitätsstadt Jena”
    (Emergency money of the University City of Jena)

  • Official validity notice:

    “Die Gültigkeit erlischt 3 Monate nach öffentlichem Aufruf.”
    (Validity expires three months after public notice.)

  • Dated:

    “Jena, 1. Mai 1921”

  • Signed by:

    • Oberbürgermeister (Mayor)

    • Gemeinderat (City Council Chairman)

The sunburst symbolizes enlightenment, renewal, and civic optimism during economic hardship.

📜 Historical Importance

Jena was not just another German town—it was:

  • A major university city

  • A global center for science, optics, and innovation

  • Home to thinkers like Ernst Abbe, whose social reforms influenced modern labor rights

This note reflects Jena’s belief that education and science were its true currency