World War I Prison Camp Banknotes: Lagergeld from Blankenburg, Hammerstein, Golzern - High Denominations 1914-1918
Welcome, notaphily and military history enthusiasts! If you're looking for information on German WWI Lagergeld , also known as prison or camp money, you've come to the right place. This type of emergency currency, issued in POW camps, represents a fascinating chapter in the economy during times of conflict. In this article, we explore its origin, use, and focus on high denominations from camps such as Blankenburg, Hammerstein, Golzern, and others. If you're interested in the history of WWI Lagergeld or how to collect it, keep reading!
What is Lagergeld? Emergency currency in German prisoner-of-war camps
Lagergeld , or "camp money," was a form of scrip or internal currency used in German prisoner-of-war camps during World War I (1914–1918). It was not the official currency of the Reich, but rather banknotes printed by camp authorities to facilitate internal transactions, such as purchases in the canteen, without allowing circulation outside the camp. This helped control the internal economy and prevent escapes with real money.
Unlike standard currency, Lagergeld was issued in low (pfennig) and high (mark) denominations, and its design varied by camp, often featuring local seals, signatures, and references. Its purpose was to reward prisoners for forced labor and reduce resistance. At its peak, hundreds of camps issued different varieties, making it a unique numismatic phenomenon.
If you search for "what is Lagergeld," remember that it was exclusive to Allied POWs captured by Germany, and had no value outside of the camps.
The History of Lagergeld: From War to Circulation in POW Camps
The history of Lagergeld dates back to World War I, when Germany captured approximately 2.4 million prisoners. Between 1914 and 1918, the camps faced shortages and a need for an internal monetary system. The first issues appeared in 1914, and by 1916, many camps, such as Golzern, were issuing regular notes.
Camps like Hammerstein held up to 15,000 prisoners, and while not all issued Lagergeld (penalty money), those who did used it to pay for labor on farms, in factories, or in mines. The system ended with the Armistice of 1918, but the surviving notes bear witness to resilience in captivity.
This period illustrates how wartime economic necessity led to monetary innovations. For those interested in German monetary history during WWI , the Lagergeld is a key example of adaptation under extreme conditions.
Denominations, Designs and Varieties of Lagergeld
The German WWI Lagergeld was issued in denominations ranging from 1 pfennig up to high denominations such as 5, 10, 50, or even 100 marks in some areas. The lower denominations were more common for everyday transactions, while the higher denominations were used for larger payments or savings. For example, in Golzern (Mulde), notes ranging from 1 pfennig to 5 marks were issued in 1916.
The designs were simple: printed on paper, with values, camp seals, and commanders' signatures. Some included symbolic images or references to the camp, as in Blankenburg. This variety makes collecting Lagergeld POW exciting, as each note tells a story of a specific camp.
If you are looking for "high denominations Lagergeld 1914-1918", you will notice that high mark coins are rare and very valuable today.
Main Fields that Issued Lagergeld
During WWI, around 1360 locations issued Lagergeld, but here we focus on well-known camps, including those mentioned. Based on numismatic catalogs, a list of issuers includes:
- Blankenburg
- Bruckdorf
- Clausthal
- Cottbus
- Crossen
- Döbeln
- Dyrotz
- Essen
- Frankfurt
- Frankfurt Oder
- Golzern
- Gross-Poritsch
- Karlsruhe
- Knurow
- King's Bridge
- Landsberg
- Lechfeld
- Minden
- Müncheberg
- Neuburg am Kammel
- Plassenburg
- Quedlinburg
- Schwientochlowitz (Swietochlowice, Poland)
- Traunstein
- Vegesack
- Wiesa bei Annaberg
- Wittenberg
- Zerbst
- Zossen-Halbmondlager
- Zossen-Weinberge
- Zwickau
Hammerstein, though not always listed as a major issuer, was a significant camp with up to 15,000 prisoners, and possibly used Lagergeld from regional systems. This is not an exhaustive list; consult catalogues such as Röttinger's for more details.
The Current Value and Collectability of Lagergeld
Today, World War I Lagergeld (cash) is a valuable collector's item. On sites like eBay or numismatic auctions, a banknote in good condition can be worth from €10 to €200 or more, depending on its rarity, camp, and denomination. High denominations from camps like Golzern are especially sought after for their historical significance.
To start collecting Lagergeld , I recommend:
- Search online marketplaces or numismatic fairs specializing in military history.
- Verify authenticity with experts or certified professionals.
- Join communities on forums or social networks dedicated to WWI numismatics .
Discover the World of German WWI Lagergeld
The German prison Lagergeld from World War I is more than just paper; it's a testament to ingenuity in times of crisis. If you're passionate about numismatics, exploring sites like Blankenburg, Hammerstein, and Golzern will open doors to a rewarding hobby. Have you found any Lagergeld in your collection? Share in the comments!