1921 – German City of Greiffenberg (Silesia) 5 Mark

This striking 1921 Notgeld issue from the city of Greiffenberg in Silesia features rich folkloric symbolism and bold Art Nouveau–influenced design. One side dramatically depicts the legendary mountain spirit Rübezahl, shown towering above the town and scattering gold coins across the landscape (“Rübezahl überschüttet Greiffenberg mit Dukaten”). The city’s rooftops, church towers, and surrounding countryside appear below, while a cascade of coins symbolizes prosperity, hope, and wishful abundance during a time of severe economic hardship.

The reverse displays the official city issue of 5 Mark, dominated by ornate typography and decorative vertical panels. At the center is the Greiffenberg coat of arms, featuring a heraldic shield with a griffin motif, reinforcing civic identity and historical pride. The harmonious blue-and-gold color scheme, symmetrical layout, and intricate border patterns exemplify the high artistic quality of Silesian Notgeld issues. Official text from the city savings bank confirms the note’s validity and municipal backing.

Date Issued
1921

Denomination
5 Mark

City / Town
Greiffenberg, Silesia (now Gryfów Śląski, Poland)

Theme
German folklore (Rübezahl), prosperity symbolism, civic heraldry, Art Nouveau design, Weimar-era emergency money

This Greiffenberg 5 Mark Notgeld note is a classic and highly collectible example of narrative emergency currency, prized for its folkloric subject, strong visual storytelling, and its reflection of local identity during Germany’s inflationary Weimar period.