1920 – German City of Detmold 50 Pfennig

This striking German Notgeld note from Detmold features a bold, satirical illustration reflecting the social and political tensions of post–World War I Germany. The obverse depicts a uniformed soldier in dynamic motion, rifle in hand, rendered in vivid blues, reds, and black linework. Above and below the figure are provocative German inscriptions, typical of Detmold’s Notgeld issues, which often carried sharp commentary, humor, or local pride rather than purely decorative motifs. The reverse presents a clear denomination design with strong typographic elements, official text, serial numbering, and municipal validation, emphasizing its function as emergency currency.

Date Issued
1920

Denomination
50 Pfennig

City / Town
Detmold, Germany

Theme
Post-war political satire and social commentary. This note exemplifies Detmold’s distinctive Notgeld style, using expressive artwork and text to reflect the uncertainty, criticism, and public sentiment of the early Weimar Republic period, making it both a historical artifact and a powerful piece of graphic storytelling.