1921 – German City of Greifenberg 50 Pfennig

This imaginative 1921 Notgeld issue from the city of Greifenberg features a folkloric and satirical design inspired by German legend. One side presents a bold silhouette scene with figures enjoying Schwarzes Bier, rendered in striking black with yellow highlights, conveying humor, leisure, and local cultural identity during difficult economic times. The playful composition—complete with raised glasses, scattered coins, and lively gestures—reflects the light-hearted storytelling common in Notgeld art.

The reverse illustrates the legendary mountain spirit Rübezahl, shown towering above the town of Greifenberg as he showers it with gold coins (“Rübezahl überschüttet Greifenberg mit Dukaten”). Below, the town’s rooftops and church towers sit beneath a rain of wealth, symbolizing hope, abundance, and wishful relief from inflationary hardship. The decorative Art Nouveau–style borders and harmonious blue-and-yellow palette enhance the narrative quality of the note.

Date Issued
1921

Denomination
50 Pfennig

City / Town
Greifenberg, Germany

Theme
German folklore (Rübezahl), satire and humor, prosperity symbolism, and local identity

This Greifenberg Notgeld note is a classic example of storytelling emergency money, prized by collectors for its folkloric subject matter, expressive illustration, and its blend of humor and social commentary from the Weimar inflation era.