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1/2 Mark
| Issuer | Stadtkasse Lübeck |
|---|---|
| Year | 1921 |
| Type | Local banknote |
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| Obverse description | The obverse is dominated by a large heraldic double-headed eagle vignette at centre, its wings fully spread, holding a shield inscribed '1/2 Mark' in black and red. A light underprint of circular municipal seals and star motifs covers the cream field. The issuer's name 'STADTKASSE LÜBECK' and the validity clause 'GÜLTIG BIS 31. DEZEMBER 1921' are set in bold letterpress at the top, while the date 'LÜBECK DEN 1. MAI 1921', a serial number, and two manuscript signatures appear at the bottom, with the printer's imprint 'JOH. MOLL A.G. LÜBECK' in small type below. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | STADTKASSE LÜBECK GÜLTIG BIS 31. DEZEMBER 1921 1/2 Mark LÜBECK DEN 1. MAI 1921 JOH. MOLL A.G. LÜBECK |
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| Comments |
Lübeck's municipal treasury issued this half-mark note as part of the wave of German Kleingeldersatz — small-change substitutes — that flooded local economies after World War One stripped metal coinage from circulation. By 1921 the German inflation spiral had already begun in earnest, and municipal bodies across the country were printing their own fractional notes simply to keep commerce moving at the street level.
Asmus Jessen, a Lübeck-based artist associated with the city's strong craft and applied-arts tradition, provided the design — a local commission rather than a generic engraver's stock plate.