Catalog
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!
| Issuer | Gemeinde St. Agatha b. W. (Municipality of St. Agatha) |
|---|---|
| Year | |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 20 Hellers (0.20) |
| 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 | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse is divided into two vertical panels: the left panel carries a patriotic verse in Gothic script arranged in diagonal lines, while the right panel bears the issuing authority's title 'Gutschein der Gemeinde St. Agatha b. W.' in a header box, the denomination '20 Heller' flanked by numeral rosettes, and a text block stating the municipality's liability and the redemption deadline of 30 September 1920. The Bürgermeister's printed signature 'Altenhofer' appears beneath the official text, and a security legend 'Die Nachmachung dieses Scheines wird gesetzl. bestraft.' is printed along the lower margin. |
| Reverse lettering | Gutschein der Gemeinde St. Agatha b. W. über 20 Heller 20 Die Gemeinde St. Agatha b. W. haftet für diesen Schein durch eine eigene Deckungsrücklage. Ablauf des Einlösungstermines: 30. September 1920. Der Bürgermeister: Altenhofer. Die Nachmachung dieses Scheines wird gesetzl. bestraft. Vom Feinbesjoch und Tyranen Und seiner großen Schinderei Mach uns, o lieber Herrgott, frei; Weil es dann gilt die Seel und Guat, So gilt's auch unser Leib und Bluat; Gott geb uns einen Heldenmuath! Es muaß seyn! |
| 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 |
St. Agatha bei Wels is a small Upper Austrian municipality, and this 20 Heller note is a product of the Heller-Scheine phenomenon — the wave of emergency small-denomination paper issued by Austrian towns, villages, and rural communes beginning in 1914 when metal coinage vanished almost immediately from circulation after the outbreak of war. The coins were hoarded, melted, or commandeered; communities were left without any means of making change.
These hyper-local issues were produced in tiny runs, often on whatever paper stock was available, validated by a local official's signature rather than any banking authority. The Altenhofer signature here likely indicates a municipal clerk or Bürgermeister.