Two examples from my collection of banknotes that were specifically designed for use in the Theresienstadt ghetto.
One of the most well known incidents at the Terezín camp-ghetto, is the visit of the red cross organisation. Many people believed that these notes were produced by the Germans as part of the facade to deceive the red cross visitors when they inspected the camp. However, following the testimonies of many survivors, the truth emerged that these notes, beautifully detailed and watermarked (highest denominations), were used as payment for day-to-day items and goods within the ghetto - for example, a cup of coffee cost 2ThKr
A payment structure was arranged so that working men and women would receive set amounts of ThKr (Theresienstadt Kronen). Part-time workers would obviously receive less than those who worked full-time.
The sheer volume of the notes required resulted in the printing of 5 million notes, covering seven denominations (1ThKr, 2ThKr, 5ThKr, 10ThKr, 20ThKr, 50ThKr and 100ThKr) of which almost half were the 1ThKr note. The rarer notes being the 100ThKr as shown below (only five percent of those produced), and the 50ThKr note.
The detail and workmanship is fantastic, surprising many. However, when one considers some of the lengths that the occupiers went to, one should not be so surprised. For example, in preparation for the aforementioned Red Cross visit, a whole washing room was constructed, complete with beautiful sinks. The plumbing however, was never finished, but the red cross inspectors didn't try the taps...
These images show the interior of a Jewish prayer room, located within the outer camp-ghetto area, as well as additional photographs of the concentration camp / ghetto area itself. The GESTAPO prison block housed many rooms, such as this one, where Gavrilo Princip, the assassin of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, was imprisoned earlier.
Great variety of informative tidbits Carl. I had no idea there was so much history behind Theresienstadt. The money is very interesting. The SS could have made butt loads of money if they would not have let their hatred cloud the business side of their demented brains. None of these camps made any sense. They killed by the millions, the one thing they needed millions more of, slave labor. The camp itself is in remarkable condition. Looks like the poor prisoners just left yesterday.
Jay
Last edited by sitges1990; 03-30-2012 at 11:46 PM.
Reason: SP
Thank you Jay, and yes, the camp site is in very good condition. There are many interesting tales to be told about Theresienstadt, and when I have the time, I shall share more of the history and events of this place.
William, you are quite correct, the Litzmannstadt ghetto did indeed have a comprehensive monetary system in place too. Always very interesting to know about these things I find. One can't help but ask question after question...we could be here all night...and probably will be!
The notes were designed by Petr Klein, a poet and artist from Czechoslavakia, who was instructed by Reinhard Heydrich to alter the image of Moses holding the tablet bearing the ten commandments inscription. Klein was informed that the image of Moses was "too Aryan" in appearance, so he added the curly hair, larger ears and long hooked nose, so that the image more resembled the classic Nazi caricature of the Jew. Klein later died of disease, shortly after being transfered from Theresienstadt to Auschwitz in October 1944, along with his wife and parents, who also perished.
Additional image one of the Theresienstadt notes...
The higher denominations in the series, i.e. the 20, 50 and 100 Kronen notes, all display the watermark highlighted above. The Theresienstadt banknotes are among the most finely detailed notes of the Third Reich period.
Theresienstadt Currency
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