Reichsmark facts for kids

The Reichsmark (symbol: RM) was the official currency of Germany for many years. It was used from 1924 until June 20, 1948. Imagine it like the money people used to buy things, just like we use dollars or euros today!

One Reichsmark was divided into 100 smaller units called Reichspfennig. This is similar to how one dollar is divided into 100 cents.

Germany's Money History

Before the Reichsmark, Germany had a big problem with its money. Prices went up super fast, and money became almost worthless. This was called hyperinflation. To fix this, a new, stable currency was needed.

When the Reichsmark Started

The Reichsmark was introduced in 1924. It helped bring order back to Germany's economy. People could trust their money again.

Money During World War II

The Reichsmark was the money used in Germany during World War II. It was used for everything from buying food to paying soldiers. Coins and banknotes were made in different amounts.

Reichsmark Coins

Coins came in small values like 1, 2, 5, 10, and 50 Reichspfennig. There were also 1, 2, and 5 Reichsmark coins. Some coins even had symbols like the Nazi swastika on them during the war.

Reichsmark Banknotes

Larger amounts of money were printed as banknotes. These included 10, 20, 50, and 100 Reichsmark notes.

When the Reichsmark Ended

After World War II, Germany was divided. The Reichsmark was replaced by new currencies in 1948. This happened in both East and West Germany. The new money helped rebuild the country after the war.

Images for kids

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  5 Reichsmark coins without (1936) and with (1938) the Nazi swastika

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  Prewar bronze Reichspfennig (obverse)

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  Wartime zinc Reichspfennig (obverse)

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  Aluminium 50 ℛ₰ coin (obverse)

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  Prewar 10 Reichspfennig (1938A, obverse)

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  Prewar 10 Reichspfennig (1938A, reverse)

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  2 Reichsmark of the occupied territories

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  Prewar bronze 1 ℛ₰ (reverse). Made of pure bronze

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  Prewar 5 ℛ₰ (reverse). Made of aluminium-bronze

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  Prewar 10 ℛ₰ (reverse). Struck in the same aluminium-bronze as the 5 ℛ₰.

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  Prewar 10 ℛ₰ (obverse)

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  Wartime zinc 1 Reichspfennig (reverse)

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  Wartime zinc 5 Reichspfennig (reverse)

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  Wartime zinc 10 Reichspfennig (reverse)

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  Aluminum 50 Reichspfennig coin (reverse)

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  20 ℛℳ, 1924

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  10 ℛℳ, 1929

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  20 ℛℳ, 1929

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  100 ℛℳ, 1935

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  Currency of the occupied countries (1940 10 J)

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  Currency of the occupied countries (1940 5 B)

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  50 ℛ₰, 1938–1945

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  1 ℛℳ, 1938–1945

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  2 ℛℳ, 1938–1945

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  5 ℛℳ, 1938–1945

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  20 ℛℳ, 1938–1945

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  50 ℛℳ, 1938–1945

See also

In Spanish: Reichsmark para niños