WWII Germany bonds year 1941 – 1000 Reichsmark 4 Bond
The German Reich 1000 Reichsmark 4% bond from 1941 is an artifact from the Nazi era, and its value is purely collectible (scripophily). It has no financial or redemption value today.
Here is a breakdown of the key information:
1. Financial Value (Redemption Status)
- Worthless as an Investment: As with almost all German government securities issued during World War II, this bond has no legal entitlement to redemption by the modern German government (the Federal Republic of Germany).
- Post-War Legislation: Claims arising from German Reich bonds issued between 1924 and 1945 were generally settled under the General Law Regulating Compensation for War-Induced Losses (AKG) of November 5, 1957. Under certain conditions, claims could be redeemed at 10 percent of the face value (conversion from Reichsmark to Deutsche Mark), but the regular filing period for these claims expired in the 1960s.
2. Collector Value (Scripophily)
The value of the physical document is entirely determined by the collector’s market. These bonds are sought after as historical and morbid artifacts from the Third Reich.
- Price Range: Due to their historical significance, the high face value (1,000 RM was a large sum at the time), and the often ornate design, these bonds command a higher collector price than lower-denomination or post-hyperinflation bonds.
- Listings for a 1,000 Reichsmark bond from the World War II era often fall in the range of $20 to $50 USD (or equivalent in other currencies). Prices can be higher for bonds in exceptional, uncirculated condition, or if they include intact interest coupons.
- Condition: The overall state of the bond (e.g., “Extremely Fine – XF,” “About Uncirculated – AU”) is the most critical factor for a collector’s price. Bonds from this era that survived the war intact and were not subsequently destroyed or heavily cancelled are more desirable.
- Cancellation Marks: Many surviving bonds from this period were cancelled (punched with holes or stamped) by post-war authorities, which slightly reduces the collector value compared to an unmarked example.
In summary, the 1941 1,000 Reichsmark bond is a fascinating piece of World War II economic history, and its value is solely based on its condition and appeal to historical collectors.
