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

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

1921 German City of Merseburg 50 Pfennig Notgeld note is a striking example of artist-designed emergency currency issued during the economic upheaval of the early Weimar Republic. Authorized by the City of Merseburg (Saxony-Anhalt) and dated 1 May 1921, this note belongs to a celebrated pictorial series created to replace scarce coinage following World War I.

The obverse features a finely illustrated architectural scene titled “Das Schloss” (The Castle), depicting Merseburg Castle with its towers, bridges, and fortified walls overlooking the Saale River. Rendered in an elegant violet, ochre, and black color palette, the scene captures the medieval grandeur of the castle complex and reflects the strong local pride and storytelling tradition found in German Notgeld artwork of the period. The denomination “50 Pf.” appears prominently in decorative corner panels, reinforcing its status as a higher-value municipal issue.

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

As a higher-denomination Notgeld issue, 50 Pfennig notes often saw heavier circulation and were frequently redeemed and destroyed, making well-preserved survivors increasingly desirable today. The “Das Schloss” design is especially sought after for its architectural subject, scenic river setting, and refined artistic execution, making it a standout piece within any German Notgeld or Weimar-era 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