1921 – German City of Köstritz 50 Pfennig

This charming 1921 Notgeld issue from the community of Köstritz features a whimsical silhouette-style illustration celebrating everyday family life. The scene depicts a mother holding a bottle and glass, a child at her side, a baby carriage laden with coins, and a father marching proudly with a flag, accompanied by a small dog. Rendered in bold black figures with bright yellow accents, the design carries a humorous and social message referencing Köstritz’s famous Schwarzbier, playfully suggesting its role in sustaining families during hard times. The reverse presents a clean, geometric layout centered on the large “50 Pfennige” denomination, flanked by heraldic animal symbols and framed by strong decorative borders.

Date Issued
1 October 1921

Denomination
50 Pfennig

City / Town
Köstritz, Germany

Theme
Family life, social satire, local brewing tradition (Schwarzbier), community resilience

This Köstritz Notgeld note is a standout example of the humorous and narrative-driven designs that made German emergency money so collectible, combining local pride, cultural identity, and lighthearted commentary on life during the inflation era.