1920 – German City of Lyck (Masuren) 50 Pfennig

This original 1920 German Notgeld issue from the city of Lyck (Masuren) is a beautifully illustrated emergency banknote produced during the early Weimar Republic period. Issued amid post–World War I economic instability, Lyck’s Notgeld reflects both regional identity and the artistic creativity that made German emergency money so collectible today.

The obverse features an ornate heraldic-style layout with decorative scrollwork and shields, including a classical profile portrait and a bold cross motif—symbols tied to civic pride and local heritage. Elegant typography frames the 50 Pfennig denomination, while official inscriptions record the issuance under municipal authority in 1920, reinforcing its legitimacy as emergency currency.

The reverse presents a finely detailed panoramic scene of Lyck’s townscape, showing buildings along the waterfront, a stone bridge, and small sailing vessels on the water. Below the illustration appears a poetic verse celebrating the local lake and landscape of Masuren, blending regional patriotism with lyrical expression—an iconic hallmark of Notgeld design.

Printed in soft pastel tones with precise linework, this note exemplifies the cultural storytelling and visual charm that define German Notgeld. It is a standout piece for collectors of Weimar-era emergency money, regional German history, or illustrated paper currency.

Details:

• Denomination: 50 Pfennig

• City / Town: Lyck (Masuren), Germany

• Year Issued: 1920

• Theme: Regional heraldry, Masurian landscape, civic pride, poetic imagery

A classic and highly collectible German Notgeld note that captures both the artistry and historical context of post-WWI Germany.