WWII Germany bonds year 1938 – 1000 Reichsmark
The German Reich 1000 Reichsmark bond from 1938 is a historical document from Nazi Germany, and its value is strictly collectible (scripophily). It holds no current financial or investment value.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the bond’s status:
1. Financial/Redemption Status
- Legally Worthless: The bond, regardless of its original interest rate (often 4%), is not redeemable by the current government of Germany (the Federal Republic of Germany).
- Settlement and Expiration: Claims for German Reich securities issued between 1924 and 1945 were subject to the German Law Regulating Compensation for War-Induced Losses (AKG) of 1957. Under specific personal conditions, these securities could be converted and partially redeemed, typically at 10% of the face value (Reichsmark to Deutsche Mark conversion).
- Deadline: The filing period for these claims expired decades ago (generally in the 1960s), with a definitive deadline in 1993 for grace period filings.
- Conclusion: Aside from any collector interest, the paper is financially worthless.
2. Collector Value (Scripophily)
The value of the bond today comes from its rarity, condition, and historical significance as an artifact of the Third Reich’s war financing.
- Market Price Range: As a high-denomination bond from the WWII era, a 1,000 Reichsmark bond is a desirable historical item. Based on recent market listings, the collectible value generally falls in the range of $15 to $50 USD (or equivalent in other currencies).
- Key Factors for Value:
- Condition: Bonds in excellent shape (“Extremely Fine – XF” or “About Uncirculated – AU”) fetch the best prices.
- Cancellation: Many surviving bonds were officially “cancelled” (typically with a punched hole) by Allied or German authorities after the war to render them formally void. An uncancelled bond is rarer and may carry a slight premium.
- Coupons: Whether the bond still has its attached, unused interest coupons can also affect the collectible price.
- Issuer: Bonds from the central Reich Treasury or specific major cities/states (like Breslau or Thuringia) can vary in price depending on collector demand for that specific issue.
For an exact valuation, it is recommended to consult a professional dealer specializing in historical stocks and bonds (scripophily).
