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The Nordic Week Festival: 50 Pfennig (Lubeck, 1921)

Updated: Nov 11, 2021

This Notgeld represented one of a 5-piece set, issued at the 1921 Nordic Week exhibition. Nordic Week was event organized by the Nordic Society, which was founded the same year. Its goal was to promote economic and cultural unity amongst the Baltic states. While the event promoted local arts and crafts sales. Its hosting of Nordic superiority guest lectures, has since been criticized as a forerunner to NSDAP propaganda.


Notably all Notgeld from this series are valued at 50 Pfennig. Although differ in which Nordic Coat of Arms they pay tribute to. This Notgeld differs from most common types, as it was intended for an event. Rather than a form of deferred payment issued by a municipality. (This notgeld will be reviewed reverse first)


Reverse

The reverse features a large Lübeck Coat of Arms, with is distinct double-headed eagle. The city of Lübeck was historically renowned for being the de-facto capital of the Hanseatic League. A medieval confederation of market towns and merchant guilds, along the Baltic coast.


The reverse features an underprint featuring the Lübeck Coat of Arms. While the text "Nordic Week" is divided above and below the coat of arms. To the lower right is an artist credit, "W. Günteritz, Lübeck".


Observe

The observe center features an illustration of Lübeck Cathedral. The illustration is ringed by the text "Model Show*Lübeck". The surrounding underprint reads "NLW 50", representing "Nordic Week Lübeck". With "50" representing the note's "50 Pfennig" value. As do the additional number "50"s, located as its lower right and left corners. Additional Lübeck Coat of Arms can be seen at the upper right and left corners.


Below this underprint area is additional text, on a red-orange backing. It declares to note is "ONLY VALID IN THE EXHIBITION FROM SEPTEMBER 1-11, 1921". Further below are 3 signatures of City of Lübeck officials. To the lower right and left is an artist credits, "H.G. Rahtgens. Lübeck" and "W. Günteritz, 21". Strangely the issuing city (Lübeck) and print date (19(21)) are divided between the artist credits.


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