Catalog
See full images - free registration
Continue with Google - no registration!
or register with email
Why register? Just to keep bots out of our catalog. Your email stays private - we will never share it or send you anything uninvited. We guarantee you that!
20 000 000 Mark Reichsbahndirektion
| Issuer | Deutsche Reichsbahn, Reichsbahndirektion Karlsruhe |
|---|---|
| Year | 1923 |
| Type | Local banknote |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Deutsche Reichsbahn Gutschein Zwanzig Millionen Mark Sämtliche Reichsbahnkassen des Direktionsbezirkes nehmen diese Scheine in Zahlung und lösen sie nach Aufruf in der Karlsruher Zeitung und Bekanntmachung auf den Bahnhöfen zum Nennwert ein. Karlsruhe, den 20. August 1923. Reichsbahndirektion. Millionen 20 Mark |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | 20 Millionen Mark |
| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | Log in to see details |
| Protection description | Log in to see details |
| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
The Deutsche Reichsbahn issued its own emergency currency in 1923 because the hyperinflationary collapse of the Reichsmark left the railway administration unable to pay wages in any meaningful denomination — the central banking system simply could not print and distribute notes fast enough. Rail directorates across Germany became de facto issuers, each printing for its own workforce and local vendors. The Karlsruhe directorate covered Baden and parts of the Palatinate, a major freight and passenger hub connecting southwest Germany to France and Switzerland.
By the time 20-million-Mark notes were necessary, the denomination was already depreciating within days of issue. Notgeld at this scale was less a currency than a payroll mechanism.