1923 Germany 1 Million Mark Reichsbanknote P-75 Weimar Republic Hyperinflation Historic Note

1923 Germany 1 Million Mark Reichsbanknote P-75 Weimar Republic Hyperinflation Historic Note

This original 1923 German 1 Million Mark banknote (Eine Million Mark) is a compelling symbol of the Weimar Republic's legendary economic collapse. Issued in Berlin on 25 July 1923, this note reflects a point where inflation had already rendered lower denominations nearly obsolete, forcing the Reichsbank to rapidly issue ever-larger values to meet daily transactional needs.

Authenticity:
This is an authentic Reichsbanknote, bearing the denomination 1,000,000 Marks, serial number 061194, and official printed signatures from the Reichsbankdirektorium. The note was legal tender in Germany during a time of extreme inflation, where a million marks often couldn’t cover a basic meal.

Historical Significance:
Following the devastation of World War I and the burdensome reparations of the Treaty of Versailles, the German economy spiraled into one of the worst cases of hyperinflation in recorded history. By mid-1923, prices were doubling almost weekly. This 1 Million Mark note marks a transitional phase of the inflation—startlingly high in nominal value, yet modest compared to the billion- and trillion-mark notes issued just months later.

Issued only weeks before denominations escalated dramatically, this note is a key piece from the early hyperinflation surge, when millions first replaced hundreds and thousands as the new “normal” unit of currency.

Design and Features:

• Obverse (Front):

  • Denomination Eine Million Mark printed in bold Gothic script at center.

  • Ornate red underprint with intricate geometric patterns fills the note's interior.

  • Large "1,000,000" numerals printed at each corner for quick denomination recognition.

  • Date of issue: 25 July 1923, with text indicating redemption at the Reichsbank’s main office in Berlin.

  • Serial number 061194 at lower right; series marked P—DK.

  • Twin Reichsbank eagle seals printed at bottom, authenticating the note.

• Reverse (Back):

  • Richly decorated with floral and guilloche patterns in deep red and violet tones.

  • Central white-outlined “1000000” value surrounded by baroque ornamental detail.

  • “Eine Million Mark” clearly stated above and below the numeric value.

  • Vertical “Reichsbanknote” text printed along the right margin.

Catalog Number:
Pick #75 in the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, listed under Weimar Republic issues.

Collector's Value:
As one of the first notes to reach a seven-figure denomination, this 1 Million Mark note is a foundational collectible for anyone interested in hyperinflation-era paper money. Its attractive design, iconic denomination, and place in the timeline of monetary collapse make it a valuable educational and historical artifact. A perfect addition to any collection focused on Germany, economic disasters, or the powerful narrative of inflation’s real-world impact.