This notgeld is part of a larger set, issued by the city of Furstenwalde-Spee. The set commemorates Renaissance knight Nicolaus "Nickel" von Minckwitz (1485-1549). An early promoter of the social-religious movement known as the the Reformation. Which saw the emergence of the Lutheranism and the larger Protestant movement.
The set is notable for have distinct outlined illustrations with accompanying text. Depicting "Nickel's" in a fairytale-like narrative. With some panels taking on an abstract whimsical take. To pay to tribute to this art, this note will reviewed reverse first.
Observe
The reverse features an outline illustration with an accompanying title. Outlining "Nickel's" desire to overthrow the Bishop of Fürstenwalde. Despite this the illustration instead confusingly depicts "Nickel" warding off Kampus. A pagan figure from Germanic folklore, with goat-like features.
The common link to the narrative relates to the Catholic Church's repression of pagan customs. As a reformer, "Nickel's" pursuit of Krampus, represents some maintenance of the religious status que. "Nickel is seen hanging from a tree, while Krampus flees. The town's outline signifies he has been cast out from Furstenwalde-Spee. With the date "1528" given to represent this figurative event.
On the lower right, above the title text is an artist credit. Unfortunately this is partially illegible, reading "Willy (????)". Moving out to the side borders is the notes value, "Seventy Five Pfennig". Which is split to left (Seventy Five) and right (Pfennig) sides.
The text of each of these sections are printed vertically. Featuring decorative oak leaf and acorn clusters, at their ends.
Nickel von Minckwitz wants the Bishop of Fürstenwalde ambushed and overthrown.
-Center Text-
Seventy Five
-Left Side-
Pfennig
-Right Side-
Observe
The observe features a large coat of arms at its center. It features a large tree, representing the areas forest. The tree is flanked by Silesian (left) and Brandenburg (right) eagles. At the top of the tree is a Prussian eagle, representing the Free State of Prussia. Further above are castle battlements representing the city's former fortifications.
The coat of arms is flanked by additional text and decorations. The top features 2 sentence, in the form of a quote. They read, "Who knows if we'll see each other again" (left). "On the green shore of the Spree (River)". The "green shore" being another reference to the area's green forest, on the Spree River.
The following middle section below, refers to the the note as a "Voucher of the City of Fürstenwalde-Spree". Each of these sections features wreathed text, with a red flower on each corner. Near the inner lower flowers are a split artist credit. The credit appears to read "Heinz Schiet".
At the lower center is a notification, outlining the note's instruction. Notifying the holder the note can be used for " all municipal purchases". In addition to losing it's value "three months after being called in". At the lower center is the note's print date (1921), while the serial number (55867) is located at the lower left. To the lower right is the signature of the city magistrate, to notarize its legitimacy.
The note value is listed at the lower right and left. In the form of "75 ₰" within a circle, with a red background. The note printer is listed on the footer, as "Druck J.A Schwarz, Lindenburg".
Who knows if we'll see each other again. On the green shore of the Spree (River).
-Upper Text-
Voucher of the City of Fürstenwalde-Spree.
-Left/Right Text-
This voucher is accepted by all municipal purchases, as part of payment. It loses it's value three months after being called in.
The Magistrate.
(Signature)
-Bottom Text-
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