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2 000 000 Mark Deutsche Reichsbahn
| Issuer | Deutsche Reichsbahn |
|---|---|
| Year | 1923 |
| Type | Local banknote |
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| Obverse description | Plain paper note printed in dark red on a light olive-green guilloche underprint. At the top centre, a stylised eagle with spread wings serves as the Deutsche Reichsbahn emblem, flanked by the issuer's name. The large denomination inscription 'Zwei Millionen Mark' dominates the central field in bold letterpress type. A block of German text below states the note's validity as legal tender at all Reichsbahn cash offices until 30 November 1923, dated Berlin, 20 August 1923, followed by the facsimile signature of the Reichsverkehrsminister; the Reichsadler (imperial eagle) seal appears at lower left, with a prefix and serial number at bottom centre. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Deutsche Reichsbahn Zwei Millionen Mark Dieser Schein wird an allen Kassen der Deutschen Reichsbahn wie gesetzliche Zahlmittel in Zahlung genommen und bis zum 30. November 1923 eingelöst. Berlin, den 20. August 1923. Der Reichsverkehrsminister. |
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| Comments |
Deutsche Reichsbahn — the German national railway — was among dozens of non-bank entities authorized to issue notgeld during the hyperinflation of 1923, when the Reichsbank simply could not print fast enough to meet demand. Railways, municipalities, factories, and mines all issued their own emergency paper, and the Reichsbahn's issues were backed, at least nominally, by the assets of the railway system itself.
By the time denominations reached seven figures, the practical life of a note was measured in days. A 2,000,000 Mark note issued in August 1923 could be functionally worthless before the month ended.