1921 – German City of Meppen 25 Pfennig

This attractive 1921 German Notgeld issue was issued by the city of Meppen during the small-change shortages of the early Weimar Republic. Printed in refined mauve, grey, and black tones, the note combines architectural pride with medieval symbolism—hallmarks of high-quality municipal emergency money.

The obverse features a finely engraved view of Meppen’s historic town hall, with its stepped gables and adjoining tower dominating the central panel. Flanking medallions display the denomination 25 Pfennig, while Gothic script identifies the issuing authority. A small heraldic vignette reinforces the city’s long civic and ecclesiastical history. Official text states that the city will redeem the note if funds are available, and notes its limited period of validity—typical of Notgeld issues.

The reverse showcases a bold circular seal featuring a mounted medieval rider with falcon, surrounded by the inscription “Siegel des Deutschen Reichs – Archiv Stadt Meppen – Anno 1261.” This imagery refers to Meppen’s medieval origins and legal status, while the surrounding Low German verse adds regional character and cultural depth.

Together, the architectural obverse and symbolic reverse make this Meppen Notgeld a balanced and historically rich collectible, prized for its clean engraving and strong local identity.

Details

• Date Issued: 31 May 1921

• Denomination: 25 Pfennig

• City / Town: Meppen, Germany

• Theme: Town hall architecture, medieval seals, civic identity, regional language, German Notgeld