Lot #3: Germany 1922 Reichsbanknote 10,000 Marks Circulated Ungraded FAMOUS VAMPIRE BILL

The German Reichkassenschein from 1922 with a value of 10,000 Marks is a notable example of the hyperinflation that Germany experienced in the period following World War I. At that time, the German economy was in crisis, and hyperinflation led to a drastic depreciation of banknotes. Following their defeat, the Treaty of Versailles obligated Germany to pay reparations, which increased the nation’s financial struggles. The German government attempted to solve this problem by printing more money, which led to severe inflation. The front of the note features a 1499 painting by Albrecht Durer titled “Portrait of a Young Man”. This note depicts the anti-French sentiment held by most Germans at the time. Although Durer’s painting “Portrait of a young man” was chosen to be on the banknote, this painting was slightly altered by the engraver at the Reichsdruckeri, who had altered the banknote in the neck of the portrait to depict a rather gothic looking vampire, representing France, which is sucking the life blood out of the throat of Germany through reparations for World War I. Difficult to notice at first but if the bill is turned and one’s focus is on the neck it can be clearly seen. Pickup category timeslot {A}