Greek 100,000 Drachma Banknote Issued by the “Bank of Greece” (ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ) During World War II – Stamped by the Nazi Occupation Authorities. Rare.
On the back of the banknote, ink stamps featuring the eagle emblem and the Nazi swastika appear. Banknotes of this type were part of the Greek monetary system during the Nazi occupation of Greece (1941–1944). During World War II, Greece was occupied by Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Bulgaria. During this period, the Greek economy suffered from severe inflation. The Nazi stamps on the banknote indicate that it was also used under the Nazi occupation and signify that the banknote was “legal” and approved by the occupying administration.
On April 27, 1941, German forces entered Athens, completing the occupation of Greece with the fall of Crete on June 1, 1941. The country was divided between Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria. The Axis powers forced Greece to cover the costs of its occupation, leading to the mass printing of high-denomination banknotes. This resulted in hyperinflation, rendering Greek currency almost worthless. During the occupation, the price of basic goods skyrocketed, with a single kilogram of corn costing 9 million drachmas. As a result, barter trade became common, with olive oil, cigarettes, and wheat replacing money. The economic devastation, combined with food shortages and brutal Nazi policies, led to the death of hundreds of thousands of Greeks from starvation.
Size: 14×8.5 cm. Condition: Light stains and creases.
