1921 Germany Bielefeld Notgeld 25 Mark on Silk Cloth PCGS 58 PPQ – Rare Textile Issue

1921 Germany Bielefeld Notgeld 25 Mark on Silk Cloth PCGS 58 PPQ – Rare Textile Issue

Offered here is an exceptionally rare and artistically significant 1921 25 Mark Notgeld issued by the Bielefeld City Savings Bank (Stadtsparkasse Bielefeld) during the chaotic monetary period of the Weimar Republic. This is no ordinary emergency currency: it is printed on real woven silk, making it one of the most unusual and highly sought-after types of textile Notgeld ever produced.

Graded PCGS 58 PPQ (Choice About Uncirculated – Premium Paper Quality), this note is cataloged as G/M-103.13i, L-98f, and was created by the famed textile printer E. Gundlach. It bears no serial number and was issued as part of a commemorative series for Bielefeld’s 700-year anniversary.

Key Details:

• Country: Germany (Weimar Republic)

• Issuer: Bielefeld City Savings Bank (Stadtsparkasse)

• Year: 1921

• Denomination: 25 Mark

• Material: Silk (not paper)

• Catalog Number: G/M-103.13i, L-98f

• Printer: E. Gundlach

• Grade: PCGS 58 PPQ (Choice About Unc / Premium Paper Quality)

• Serial Number: Not Applicable

• Theme: Fountain motif – Bielefeld 700-Year Jubilee

Design & Features:

Obverse (Front):

• Richly colored blue, maroon, and ivory design on woven silk.

• Central fountain-themed art featuring stylized human figures, likely representing health, prosperity, and civic vitality.

• Bold Gothic-style text reading “DIE STADTSPARKASSE BIELEFELD ZAHLT GEGEN DIESEN PLATZANWEISUNG…” (The City Savings Bank of Bielefeld will pay against this token…).

• Issued for the 700th anniversary celebration of Bielefeld (1221–1921), dated 15 July 1921.

• Complex layout printed with precision on a shimmering silk background—an artistic and technical feat.

Reverse (Back):

• A large red “25 MARK” sunburst surrounded by curved German script and small, stylized figures in each corner.

• Four smaller illustrations show classical athletic forms and architecture—evocative of tradition and strength.

• Borders and center text echo the celebratory and commemorative theme with eye-catching Art Deco influences.

Historical Significance:

As post-WWI Germany suffered hyperinflation, localities like Bielefeld turned to emergency money—or Notgeld—to keep commerce flowing. In a unique cultural twist, the Bielefeld authorities commissioned a series of cloth and textile notes, many produced using materials such as linen, velvet, and silk. These were not just emergency currency, but art objects and civic commemorations.

This 25 Mark silk issue is part of a legendary group of textile Notgeld, which were never intended for daily use but rather served as commemorative souvenirs and promotional tools during a time of national instability.

Bielefeld’s silk Notgeld is especially prized due to its fragility and limited production—few survive in such well-preserved condition, especially with strong color and full fabric edges intact.

Collector’s Value:

This is a centerpiece collectible—a near-uncirculated and authenticated cloth currency note that transcends typical Notgeld collecting. It appeals not only to banknote collectors, but also to enthusiasts of:

• Textile art

• German history

• Weimar culture

• Commemorative and artistic currency

Graded PCGS 58 PPQ, this note has superb originality, vibrant silk coloration, and remarkable condition for its age and material. A true showcase specimen worthy of framing or high-end Notgeld cabinets.