ND (1921) Germany Eisenach 50 Pfennig Notgeld “Das Männliche Geschlecht” PCGS 63 UNC

ND (1921) Germany Eisenach 50 Pfennig Notgeld “Das Männliche Geschlecht” PCGS 63 UNC

Featured here is an unusual and artistically whimsical 50 Pfennig Notgeld from Eisenach, Weimar Republic-era Germany, humorously titled “Das Männliche Geschlecht” ("The Male Gender"). Graded PCGS Choice Uncirculated 63, this note is cataloged as G/M 319.1.1, L-307.1 and features vivid color printing and charming satire. These local issues were typically circulated during the inflationary years of 1919–1923, but this piece was not intended for actual commerce—rather, it was created purely for collectors and humorists of the time.

Design and Features:

Obverse:
A tongue-in-cheek caricature of the stages of man, depicted in animal form through a series of red medallions, each symbolizing a different age and corresponding beast—from a “Kalb” (calf) at 10 years to a “Ochsentotenkopf” (ox skull) at 100 years. Other metaphoric animals include a goat, ram, lion, donkey, and fox, creating a humorous take on the masculine lifecycle. The German text at the top notes this is based on a “Künstlerischer Scherz” (artistic joke) by Moritz von Schwind, a famed 19th-century illustrator.

Reverse:
A colorful, finely detailed depiction of Wartburg Castle, one of Germany’s most historically significant sites—closely associated with Martin Luther and German nationalism. The denomination “50 Pfennig” is framed in stylized Gothic script within an ornate border featuring oak leaf motifs.

Printer:
Produced by Arthur Kirchner, Erfurt, and printed with the “Little Flame” watermark—a security feature used on various notgeld issues from this region.

Historical Context:

Issued during a time of dire economic instability, this piece represents a playful departure from Germany’s financial turmoil. While traditional emergency notes were functional, notes like this were part of a growing collector-focused movement that swept through the Weimar Republic, producing over 30,000 different notgeld designs. With its reference to Wartburg Castle and playful anthropomorphism, the note bridges regional pride and comic relief during a turbulent postwar period.

Collector’s Value:

Certified PCGS Choice UNC 63, this note stands out for its exceptional preservation, charming design, and cultural satire. Collectors of notgeld, German humor, or illustrative numismatics will find this piece irresistible—not only as a novelty but also as a reflection of the social spirit of the time. Its visual appeal, paired with historic value, ensures a prominent place in any advanced notgeld collection.