1921 – German City of Bad Kösen 50 Pfennig

This colorful 1921 Notgeld issue from the spa town of Bad Kösen is a richly detailed example of German emergency money that blends local pride, regional identity, and symbolic design. The obverse features a bold central “50 Pfennig” denomination set within an ornamental geometric frame, flanked by illustrated figures in traditional attire. These figures, rendered in expressive period style, reflect local customs and the cultural heritage of Bad Kösen, a town well known for its salt works and health resorts.

The reverse showcases elaborate typography and architectural imagery associated with Bad Kösen, including stylized buildings and decorative arches that emphasize stability and civic authority. Bright, harmonious colors—reds, blues, yellows, and greens—are combined with intricate borders and scrollwork, characteristic of high-quality Notgeld artwork from the Weimar era. The overall composition conveys municipal legitimacy while offering visual appeal during a time of economic uncertainty.

Date Issued

1921

Denomination

50 Pfennig

City / Town

Bad Kösen, Germany

Theme

Local identity and civic pride, traditional dress, municipal symbolism, Weimar-era emergency currency

This Bad Kösen Notgeld note is a classic example of early 1920s German emergency money, valued by collectors for its vibrant design, historical context, and strong representation of regional culture during the post–World War I inflationary period.