50 Mark banknote issued in the Łódź Ghetto as part of the first series of notes in 1940. Serial number 323373.
The banknotes in the Łódź Ghetto were printed by the Nazis with a Star of David and a seven-branched menorah in order to give them a “Jewish” appearance. They were also printed with the facsimile signature of Mordechai Rumkowski, head of the Jewish Council (Judenrat) in the Łódź Ghetto. The notes were designed by Ignacy Guttman, and all seven denominations – from 50 pfennig to 50 marks – were adorned with Stars of David and menorahs. The banknotes were printed outside the ghetto by the firm Siegmund Manitius. The Jewish currency printed in the ghetto became the only legal tender and was mockingly nicknamed by the residents “Rumkis” or “Chaimkis, ” after Mordechai Chaim Rumkowski. By issuing this so-called “Jewish money, ” which had absolutely no value outside the ghetto, the Germans aimed to absorb the German currency that Jews possessed. All foreign currency had to be exchanged for ghetto-issued money, and possession of foreign currency became a serious offense. Those caught violating this rule were severely punished. On November 14, 1941, three individuals were tried before the Jewish court in the ghetto for forging Jewish banknotes in the amount of 2 marks.
See also:
Chronicle of the Łódź Ghetto, Volume I, p. 3, note no. 5; and ibid., pp. 253–254, note no. 143.
Encyclopedia of the Łódź Ghetto, in Yediot Beit Lohamei HaGhettot (5), (13), p. 63, entry: “Rumki”.
The note is in heavily used condition, showing clear signs of having passed from hand to hand in the ghetto.
