Overprint on 1000 Mark (P-82) | Weimar Republic Hyperinflation Era
Own a striking artifact from one of the most turbulent economic periods in world history—the Weimar Republic hyperinflation crisis of 1923. This genuine Germany 1 Billion Mark banknote, cataloged as Pick #113, is an overprint on the earlier 1000 Mark note (P-82) and remains in Uncirculated (UNC) condition.
💰 Key Features:
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Country: Germany (1871–1948)
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Government: Weimar Republic (1918–1933)
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Denomination: 1,000,000,000 (One Billion) Marks
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Year of Issue: 1923
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Issuing Bank: Reichsbank
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Series: 1920–1924 Republic Treasury Notes
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Material: Paper
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Size: 140 × 90 mm
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Watermark: Original 1000 Mark denomination in braid pattern
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Condition: UNC (Uncirculated)
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Demonetized: July 5, 1925
🧾 Design Highlights:
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Obverse: Black on brown underprint, featuring the Reichsadler (German Imperial Eagle), red overprint diagonally across the center and vertically on the right. Serial numbers in green.
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Reverse: Brown print with central denomination and anti-counterfeiting warning. Prominent red overprint repeats diagonally.
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Watermark: Visible along the right side showing "1000" in a braid pattern—evidence of the note’s original denomination prior to the hyperinflation overprint.
🕰 Historical Context:
This banknote embodies the chaos of the early 1920s, when skyrocketing inflation rendered traditional currency nearly worthless. At the height of the crisis, prices could double in days. What once was a modest sum turned into absurd denominations, as seen here in this One Billion Mark note.
📚 Reference:
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, this note is an essential piece for any collection focused on economic history, German numismatics, or hyperinflation currency. It's a dramatic reminder of the fragility of financial systems—and a fascinating story preserved on paper.