1922 – German City of Vechta Complete Notgeld Set (25, 50 & 75 Pfennig)

The complete 1922 Notgeld set from the German city of Vechta showcases one of the most visually compelling and historically themed emergency money issues of the Weimar Republic era. Issued in denominations of 25, 50, and 75 Pfennig, the set is unified by a powerful artistic and narrative concept centered on Vestung Vechta, the town’s historic star-shaped fortress.

Across all denominations, the obverse designs feature a finely rendered bird’s-eye view of the Vechta fortress. The geometric star layout, bastions, walls, and surrounding countryside are illustrated in rich green and red tones, emphasizing both military precision and local pride. The repeating fortress motif across the three values creates a cohesive visual series that highlights Vechta’s historical identity as a fortified town.

The reverse designs elevate the set into true storytelling Notgeld. Presented in bold black silhouette panels with expressive typography, the scenes depict allegorical and folkloric imagery involving animals, figures, and moral themes. These dramatic, almost woodcut-style illustrations convey struggle, justice, endurance, and consequence—reflecting the uncertainty and social tension of post-World War I Germany. The escalating denominations align naturally with the intensity of the imagery, making the full set especially satisfying from both an artistic and narrative perspective.

Printed during a period of economic instability, this Vechta Notgeld series is a classic example of how German emergency money evolved beyond simple substitutes for coinage into miniature works of graphic art and local storytelling. Complete sets like this are increasingly sought after by collectors due to their historical cohesion, artistic ambition, and strong regional identity.

Date Issued
1922

Denominations
25 Pfennig · 50 Pfennig · 75 Pfennig

City / Town
Vechta, Germany

Theme
Historic fortifications, local history, allegorical storytelling, silhouette art, Weimar Republic emergency money, illustrated German Notgeld

A standout complete Notgeld set, ideal for collectors focused on German emergency currency, fortress imagery, or narrative-driven Weimar-era paper money.