My late Grandfather left me several 10,000 Mark Notes from Germany dated 1922. Am I rich?
The notes that you received are “Reichbanknoten” or inflationary currency notes which were issued by the Weimar Republic, the controlling power in Germany immediately following World War I.
Due partly to high war reparations, assessed by the League of Nations at the Treaty of Versailles, this period of German History (1920-1933) is marked by extreme economic depression and high inflation. The high denominations of the notes survive as evidence of the government’s efforts to combat inflation. Notes were issued in denominations of thousands, millions, and even billions.
While these notes no longer carry legal tender value, since the Weimar Republic is no longer a functioning government, many do hold collector’s value depending on the issue and the condition of the note.
You may also elect to visit a local coin dealer who can examine your notes to determine a condition, thus a numismatic value. Look for one who displays an affiliation with the ANA or the PNG; they have promised to abide by a code of ethics.