1921 Germany Altona Notgeld 75 Pfennig – PCGS 62 UNC – Man & Bird Design, Pinholes

1921 Germany Altona Notgeld 75 Pfennig – PCGS 62 UNC – Man & Bird Design, Pinholes

Presented is a delightfully whimsical 1921 75 Pfennig Notgeld note from the City of Altona, issued during the post-World War I Weimar Republic era. This emergency issue, cataloged as G/M-30.1.1, L-29a, is graded PCGS 62 Uncirculated, with a comment for pinholes. It features an imaginative and artistic design by H.W. Köbner & Co., reflecting the unique and often playful character of German Notgeld.

This note is part of the local emergency currency (Notgeld) produced by Altona, which today is part of Hamburg, in the Schleswig-Holstein region of northern Germany. The bold colors, artistic creativity, and regional pride make it a quintessential piece of German Notgeld history.

Key Details:

• Country: Germany (Weimar Republic)

• Issuer: City of Altona (now Hamburg)

• Date: 1921

• Denomination: 75 Pfennig

• Printer: H.W. Köbner & Co.

• Serial Number: 075947

• Grade: PCGS 62 Uncirculated (with Pinholes)

• Catalog: G/M-30.1.1, L-29a

• Watermark: Drops

• Design Theme: Man & Bird

Design & Features:

Obverse:

• A charming and surreal illustration of a jovial, top-hat-wearing figure reclining on a cushion, admiring a flower while being accompanied by a small bird.

• The whimsical text “NOTGELD STADT ALTONA” arches above the character.

• The denomination “75 Pfennige” is displayed prominently at the bottom in an elegant script.

• The artist’s name “Claus” appears at the lower right, adding a personal signature to this delightfully unconventional currency.

Reverse:

• A bolder, more geometric composition dominated by the large "75 Pf." centered in a black box.

• Stylized images of church steeples, referencing Altona's skyline, are shown on both sides.

• Official text indicates the expiration clause of the note: “Dieser Schein verliert 2 Wochen nach Aufruf in den Altonaer Zeitungen seine Gültigkeit.” (This note loses validity 2 weeks after announcement in the Altona newspapers).

• Signed and dated 12 December 1921 by city officials, including the Magistrat of Altona.

Historical Context:

In the wake of WWI and amid soaring inflation, many German towns issued Notgeld (emergency money) to fill currency shortages. While these notes began as utilitarian, towns like Altona soon turned them into local art, showcasing culture, humor, and social commentary.

The city of Altona, now a district of Hamburg, produced some of the most artistically inventive and memorable Notgeld series, often with storybook-like illustrations. These designs reflected the population’s need not only for money but also for levity and expression during economic hardship.

Collector’s Value:

This Altona Notgeld note is a standout piece for collectors of:

• Whimsical and artistic emergency money

• Weimar-era ephemera

• German local issues

• Graphic illustration in currency

Graded PCGS 62 Uncirculated, this note boasts vibrant color and strong visual detail. The minor pinholes, noted by PCGS, are typical of early 20th-century storage methods and do not detract from its display appeal. A fine example of currency doubling as folk art, ideal for collectors who appreciate history with a touch of humor.