1921 – German City of Merseburg 50 Pfennig Notgeld “Schlosshof” Note

1921 – German City of Merseburg 50 Pfennig Notgeld “Schlosshof” Note
CA$9.00

1921 German City of Merseburg 50 Pfennig Notgeld note is a finely illustrated example of Weimar-era emergency currency issued during Germany’s post-World War I economic crisis. Authorized by the City of Merseburg (Saxony-Anhalt) and dated 1 May 1921, this note formed part of a celebrated pictorial series designed to replace scarce coinage in everyday circulation.

The obverse features a detailed architectural vignette titled “Schlosshof” (Castle Courtyard), depicting the historic castle complex of Merseburg with towers, fortified walls, and surrounding structures rendered in a stylized, storybook-like manner. Printed in an elegant violet, ochre, and black color palette, the scene captures the medieval character of the city and reflects the high artistic standards typical of German Notgeld issues from this period. The denomination “50 Pf.” is prominently displayed in the corners within decorative frames.

The reverse bears the inscription “Gutschein der Stadt Merseburg” (Voucher of the City of Merseburg) and prominently features the city’s well-known raven perched on a ring, a recurring heraldic symbol used throughout the Merseburg Notgeld series. Additional elements include an official serial number, the municipal authorization “Der Magistrat,” and the signature of the city treasurer. The note was printed by Gebrüder Parcus of Munich, one of Germany’s most respected security printers of the early 20th century.

As a higher-denomination Notgeld issue, the 50 Pfennig notes were more heavily circulated and frequently redeemed, making surviving examples increasingly collectible today. The “Schlosshof” design is particularly desirable for its architectural subject matter, strong local identity, and refined artistic execution, making it an excellent centerpiece for any German Notgeld or Weimar Republic collection.

Key Banknote Details

  • Year Issued: 1921 (dated 1 May 1921)

  • Country: Germany

  • City: Merseburg

  • Denomination: 50 Pfennig

  • Issuer: City of Merseburg

  • Printer: Gebr. Parcus, München

  • Type: Notgeld (Emergency Money)

  • Era: Weimar Republic / Post-World War I