Here on offer is an average grade example from this World War I treasury note for 20 Mark.Â
The art work is in itself beautifully rendered and the the theme displayed of times of plenty are beautifully illustrated with two men pouring forth the cornucopia of coinage from large horns.
As with most banknotes printed in Germany during the early part of the 20th century the fine detail and rendering of the plate etchings are truly fantastic. Mini artworks in themselves.
1915 Reichbank Treasury note
Obverse: 2 men with full horns of coinage
Reverse: Man and woman in portrait
Issue date: 4th November 1915
catalogue: Ro53
This banknote is from a time when we witnessed:
Germany initiates its first aerial bombing campaign against Britain using Graff Zeppelins.
For the very first time in history poison gas is used in a war as Germans on the Eastern Front attack Russian positions west of Warsaw. The initial offensive was however thwarted by the freezing cold condition on the Eastern Front and the gas failed to vaporize even with a bombardment of 18,000 gas shells.
German U-Boats were seen for the first time in a military as they began unrestricted attacks against passenger and merchant shipping in and around Great Britain and its isles. Â Losses to the submarine fleet were so severe that ship builders were unable to keep up with production. As more an more Americans were killed in these attacks anger and resentment was swiftly building within the U.S.A..
