Reichsmark germany 1920

The Reichsmark was the official currency of Germany from 1924 to 1948, replacing the Papiermark during the hyperinflation of the Weimar Republic.

About this subject

The Reichsmark (RM) was introduced in 1924 as part of the Dawes Plan to stabilize the German economy after the hyperinflation of 1923. It replaced the Papiermark at a rate of 1 Reichsmark to 1 trillion Papiermarks. The currency was backed by the Reichsbank and initially pegged to gold, but that parity was abandoned during the Great Depression.

During the Nazi regime, the Reichsmark remained the official currency, but the government imposed exchange controls and used the Reichsmark to finance rearmament. After World War II, the currency rapidly lost value, leading to monetary reforms in 1948, when the Deutsche Mark was introduced in the western zones and the Ostmark in the Soviet zone.

Reichsmark banknotes featured varied designs, including portraits of historical figures and agricultural or industrial motifs. Coins were issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 50 Reichspfennig, as well as 1, 2, and 5 Reichsmark. Inflation and war caused material shortages, resulting in emergency issues (Notgeld) in some regions.

Trivia: The Reichsmark still circulated in some Allied prisoner-of-war camps after the war, before the currency reform. Today, well-preserved specimens are collectibles, especially limited editions or those with printing errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Reichsmark created?

It was created to replace the Papiermark after the hyperinflation of 1923, as part of the Dawes Plan, aiming to stabilize the German economy with a backed currency.

What happened to the Reichsmark after World War II?

It rapidly lost value and was replaced by the Deutsche Mark in the western zones and the Ostmark in the Soviet zone in 1948, during currency reforms.

Are there rare Reichsmark notes or coins?

Yes, especially limited editions, those with printing errors, or from scarcity periods like emergency issues (Notgeld).