1923 – Germany 100 Million Mark Notgeld - VF– August Thyssen-Hütte Ironworks Issue, Hamborn

1923 – Germany 100 Million Mark Notgeld - VF– August Thyssen-Hütte Ironworks Issue, Hamborn
CA$18.00

This 1923 German 100 Million Mark Notgeld note, issued by the August Thyssen-Hütte Ironworks (August Thyssen-Hütte Gewerkschaft) in Hamborn, is a powerful artifact from the height of Germany’s Weimar Republic hyperinflation. Dated 1 September 1923, this emergency currency (“Gutschein Mark”) was printed at a time when the national economy had spiraled out of control—when wages were paid daily and the cost of living doubled every few hours.

The obverse of this historic note prominently displays the denomination “100 Millionen Mark” in bold Gothic script, flanked by intricate geometric borders and the red serial number E No. 036328. To the left appears an embossed seal of the August Thyssen-Hütte steelworks, validating its authenticity. The detailed illustration on the right depicts steelworkers in a roaring foundry, with molten metal pouring into molds—symbolizing the industrial backbone of post-war Germany and the Ruhr region’s resilience during economic crisis. Printed in gray and green tones, this note carries the signatures of Fritz Thyssen and Julius Thyssen, heirs of the famed industrial dynasty that played a central role in Germany’s steel and coal production.

The reverse side continues the elegant industrial motif with decorative filigree surrounding the words “Hundert Millionen Mark” (“One Hundred Million Marks”) in ornate Gothic lettering. Fine line engraving and geometric guilloché patterns give the note a refined artistic quality despite its emergency origin.

This Notgeld note is a testament to the hyperinflation crisis of 1923, when German citizens carried stacks of currency just to buy bread. Issued by private corporations, municipalities, and factories, Notgeld (“emergency money”) like this became essential for everyday transactions when the Reichsmark collapsed in value.

Details:

  • Country: Germany (Weimar Republic)

  • Issuer: August Thyssen-Hütte Ironworks, Hamborn

  • Denomination: 100 Million Mark

  • Date Issued: 1 September 1923

  • Type: Notgeld (Emergency Money)

  • Front Design: Large “100 Millionen Mark,” red serial number, embossed steelworks seal, image of foundry workers

  • Back Design: Ornate decorative filigree framing “Hundert Millionen Mark”

  • Signatures: Fritz Thyssen and Julius Thyssen

  • Printer: Thyssen Druck (Thyssen Printworks)

  • Color Scheme: Gray, green, and black

  • Material: Banknote paper

  • Dimensions: Approx. 165 × 85 mm

  • Language: German

Historical Context:
Issued during Germany’s hyperinflation of 1923, this note reflects one of the most extreme monetary crises in world history. By late 1923, prices had skyrocketed so dramatically that even denominations in the billions became commonplace. Companies like August Thyssen-Hütte issued their own vouchers to pay workers and facilitate trade, as government currency rapidly devalued.