1921 – German City of Eschershausen 2 Mark

This evocative 1921 Notgeld issue from the city of Eschershausen (Braunschweig) is richly illustrated with local landmarks and literary symbolism. One side presents a panoramic town view labeled “Eschershausen in Braunschweig,” flanked by detailed vignettes of Wilhelm Raabe’s birthplace and the Raabe Tower memorial, celebrating the city’s cultural heritage. The harmonious blue, grey, and gold palette, combined with elegant Jugendstil scrollwork, gives the note a refined civic character while emphasizing regional pride.

The reverse features a dramatic, expressionist-style scene inspired by the works of Wilhelm Raabe, depicting laborers engaged in strenuous industrial and manual work. The central inscription—“Und dieses deutsche Volk glauben sie unterkriegen zu können!”—delivers a powerful message of resilience and defiance, reflecting the social and economic hardships of post–World War I Germany. The bold contrast of dark figures against a warm yellow background underscores themes of perseverance, labor, and national endurance during the inflationary era.

Date Issued
1921

Denomination
2 Mark

City / Town
Eschershausen, Braunschweig, Germany

Theme
Local landmarks and civic pride, German literature (Wilhelm Raabe), labor and resilience, postwar social commentary

This Eschershausen 2 Mark Notgeld note stands out as a compelling example of Weimar-era emergency money, valued by collectors for its strong narrative imagery, literary references, and its poignant reflection of German identity and perseverance during economic turmoil.