10 Pfennig

Berneck im Fichtelgebirge was one of hundreds of small German municipalities forced into issuing emergency paper currency — Notgeld — as the postwar coin shortage made small-denomination transactions impossible. By 1921 the practice had evolved well beyond necessity into something approaching a local publishing industry, with towns commissioning decorative series specifically to attract collectors. Löffler & Co. of Greiz were a capable regional printer active across Thuringia and neighboring districts during the Notgeld peak years.

Whether this note circulated heavily or was largely absorbed by collectors on issue is the central question for any 1921 Kleingeldschein of this type.