This Notgeld is the 3rd denomination of a 3-piece set, issued by the City of Lüneburg. A former member of the medieval Hanseatic League. Also known as the Hansa, the Hanseatic League was powerful confederation of merchant guilds and market towns. Many of these market towns grew into the major cites of the Baltic Coast and the region's large rivers.
Each note of the set depicts one of Lüneburg's many historical land marks. Including the Rathaus (City Hall), the Alte Krahn (Old Crane), and the Altes Kaufhaus (Old Department Store). Each illustration was drawn by artist Heinz König (1856-1937), who was born in Lüneburg. (This note will be reviewed reverse first.)
Reverse
The reverse features an illustration of the Rathaus Lüneburg. The title below reads (trans.) "The Town Hall. To the lower-right corner is an artist credit for "Heinz König". As before mentioned all artwork of this Notgeld series was created by Heinz König.
The Lüneburg City Hall is amongst the city's oldest buildings. It has been and expanded and renovated over the centuries, beginning in 1230. The majority of the current building is in a north German style known as Backsteingotik (Brick Gothic). While the façade is in built in the Baroque style, as the original Gothic façade was damaged, in 1703. Construction on the new façade was completed in 1720.
Notably the until 1874, the town hall was used to house Lüneburg's Ratssilber (council sliver). Council silver hordes were a typical feature of Hanseatic cities. They were used to display their city's wealth. Lüneburg's silver has since been moved to the Belin Museum of Decorative Arts. Electroformed copies of the silver were later made for public display.
In addition to silver, the Rathaus was used to display artwork. Notably the Great Council Chamber features oak wood carvings by Albert of Soest. While the walls of council chamber are decorated by murals, painted by Daniel Frese.
Observe
The observe features and illustration of the Lüneburg Coat of Arms, at its left. Above is a large number "50", representing the note's 50 Pfennig value. Above at the upper left is the note's serial number. The serial number reads "235806" and features separate framing.
At the note's upper right is the notes title. It reads "Voucher of the City (of) Lüneburg", followed by the note's "Fifty Pfennig" face value. Below it is a notification to the note's bearer, outlining the note's terms. The note must be redeemed within one month, after being made public. It's redeemed by taking the note to the city chamber treasury.
Below the notification is a signature of the Lüneburg city magistrate. Notably unlike most Notgeld, this note lacks a print date. Usually the note's print date is located near its notarization signature. The exception being collectors' notes, which lack a notarization signature.
At the note's footer is a reference to its printer (Druck), "Gebroder Janecke, Hannover". The neighboring border resembles woodwork framing.
Full Translation
Voucher of the City (of) Lüneburg
Fifty Pfennig
The voucher loses its validity if it is not used,
within one month, after it has been made public.
Request the magistrate at the chamber treasury to redeem.
Until then, redemption can take place at any time.
The Magistrate of the city of Lüneburg
(Signature)
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