Germany Westphalia 500 mark Annette Hulshoff Horse MS64 PCGS brass coin 1923

The 1923 Westphalia 500 Mark brass Notgeld coin honoring Annette von Droste-Hülshoff is a captivating emergency issue from the dramatic hyperinflation period of the Weimar Republic. Produced during Germany’s economic collapse, this historical coin reflects the era when regional authorities issued emergency money with artistic and cultural themes to sustain commerce amid soaring inflation. Combining literary heritage with strong regional symbolism, this beautifully engraved brass issue remains one of the most distinctive Westphalian Notgeld coins of the period.

The obverse features an elegant right-facing portrait of Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, the celebrated German poet and writer associated with Westphalia and nineteenth-century Romantic literature. Her detailed hairstyle, classical clothing, and refined facial features are framed by Gothic-style inscriptions that give the coin a distinctly historical and medieval-inspired appearance. The reverse displays a powerful rearing horse, the traditional symbol of Westphalia, positioned above the denomination “500 Mark” and the date 1923. The heraldic horse, bold angular lettering, and warm brass surfaces create a striking visual balance that captures the atmosphere of resilience during the inflation crisis.

Annette von Droste-Hülshoff is regarded as one of Germany’s most important female literary figures, famous for her poetry and novellas exploring nature, spirituality, and regional identity. During the hyperinflation era, her image appeared on Westphalian emergency coinage as a symbol of cultural pride and continuity. Today, these Notgeld issues are valued not only for their historical connection to the Weimar inflation crisis, but also for their artistic design and regional significance. Certified MS64 by PCGS, this brass coin offers strong preservation and outstanding appeal for collectors of German history and historical emergency currency.

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