Greek currency printed on lightweight, off-white rectangular paper. The face has a large, centered, red latticework background with a smaller, centered, black rectangular border comprised of sinuous lines. In the center, overprinted on a dark red scrollwork pattern is the stamped serial number in red ink. In addition, several lines of black Greek text and the numeric denomination are flanked by a black scrollwork pattern. The numeric denomination is in red in each corner, overlaid on a scrollwork design. The reverse has a large, centered, light green rectangle with a scrollwork pattern and a scalloped edge. In the center the denomination is overlaid on a scrollwork design. Flanking the center are two, rectangular black shapes with the denomination inside, overlaid on a scrollwork background with a border of sinuous vines and flowers. Above and below the center are small banners with black Greek text. face, top, stamped, red ink : 130986 AI
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The collection was donated to the United Sates Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2003 by Joel Forman.
overall: Height: 2.375 inches (6.033 cm) | Width: 5.500 inches (13.97 cm)
German-issued Greek National currency valued at 10 million Drachmai. The Greek currency, called Drachma, can be traced back to the 6th century BC. The currency was discontinued after the Roman conquest of Greece, and reissued after Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire. On April 6, 1941, Germany invaded Greece to support Italy and forced the Greeks to surrender by the end of the month. Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria collectively occupied Greece until Italy’s surrender to the Allies in September 1943. Then Germany occupied all of Greece, and forced the Greek government to pay for the occupation by printing more paper money with higher denominations. The excess Drachmai caused hyperinflation, and the price for goods and services rose dramatically. During the occupation, the price of corn was 9 million Drachmai per pound. The essentially worthless paper bills gave way to bartering of supplies such as olive oil, cigarettes, and wheat. Due to the invasion and the harsh economic policies, hundreds of thousands of Greeks died from lack of food during the German occupation.
German issued Greek currency, 10 million Drachmai note