Inflation postcard – German Reich – 5 billion mark franking – November 19, 1923

Country: German Reich

Period: German hyperinflation 1923

Date: November 19, 1923

Type of delivery: Postcard

Franking: 10 × 500 million marks

Total franking: 5 billion marks

Recipient: Professor Dr. Frank, Berlin

Special feature: Multiple franking from the hyperinflation period

Historical postcard from the final phase of the German hyperinflation in November 1923. The front is franked with a total of ten stamps of 500 million marks each. This results in an impressive total franking of:

5,000,000,000 marks – five billion marks

The card was written on November 19, 1923, and thus falls directly into one of the most extreme phases of the German currency devaluation. Within a few weeks, postal rates had to be adjusted repeatedly to the rapid inflation. Particularly attractive is the nearly perfectly preserved multiple franking with ten identical inflation stamps, which were applied across the entire left and top side of the card. Several strong railway post or daily cancellations cancel the stamps. The back is entirely handwritten and also bears the date 11/19/1923, which clearly documents its contemporary use.

The card is in a used condition appropriate for its age. Visible are a central fold, slight edge and usage marks, and age-related paper discoloration. The franking is largely intact and the postmarks are clear – see pictures.

A particularly vivid historical collector's item on the German hyperinflation, inflation philately, the Weimar Republic, and the postal history of the year 1923.